Description
A classic comfort food casserole featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the chicken breasts if not already cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until juices run clear. Let cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until well-blended.
- Add the cooked chicken to the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor
- Shred chicken while it’s still warm for easier handling and more tender pieces
- If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil
- For extra cheese flavor, add shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during last 10 minutes of baking
- Can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
- Add frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn for extra nutrition
- Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving
- Can be frozen before or after baking for up to 2-3 months
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, Ritz crackers, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, potluck dish, creamy chicken, baked casserole