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Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Easy Cheesy Topping Recipe

Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy chicken casserole topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker and cheesy crust, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked and shredded or cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about one standard sleeve)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (can mix with mozzarella)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt as a lighter option)
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. If not already cooked, cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts by boiling, roasting, or pan-searing until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F or 74°C). Let cool slightly, then shred or cube into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
  4. Crush about 2 cups of Ritz crackers using a food processor or a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin until mostly fine crumbs with some small chunks remain. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in melted butter and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Pour the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cracker and cheese topping evenly over the surface, pressing down lightly to help it stick.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  7. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to settle. Serve warm.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid from chicken if very moist to avoid soggy casserole. Crush crackers to mostly fine crumbs with some chunks for best texture. Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Leftovers reheat well in oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, Ritz cracker topping, cheesy chicken bake, easy dinner, comfort food, quick casserole

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/crispy-ritz-cracker-chicken-casserole-easy-cheesy-topping-recipe/