Chicken casserole with ritz crackers is a dish that brings comfort, nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavor to the dinner table. Picture this: tender chicken enveloped in a creamy sauce, topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs, making every bite an unforgettable experience. creamy chicken dinner ideas hearty casserole options This casserole is perfect for cozy family gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
I still remember the first time I made chicken casserole with ritz crackers; it was during a rainy weekend. My kids were bouncing off the walls, and I needed something to keep them entertained—enter the magical world of casseroles! The aroma filled our home as we dug in, and laughter erupted over messy plates. baked chicken variations It was a hit then and continues to be one of our favorites today.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This chicken casserole with ritz crackers is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The rich flavors blend seamlessly for a comforting dish everyone will adore. Visually appealing with its golden topping, it’s sure to impress guests at any gathering. Plus, it’s versatile—swap ingredients based on your preferences or pantry staples! [/info_box]
I can still hear my friends raving about this chicken casserole at our last potluck. The empty dish was proof of its deliciousness!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size.
Cream of Chicken Soup: A key ingredient to ensure creaminess and flavor—homemade or store-bought works.
Sour Cream: Adds richness and depth. Choose full-fat for the best texture.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: These add color and nutrition; feel free to use any vegetable mix you prefer.
Ritz Crackers: The true star of the show! Crush them for that irresistible topping.
Butter: Melted butter enhances the flavor of the cracker topping; do not skip it!
Onion Powder: Adds a layer of savory goodness; fresh onions can also work if you prefer.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for extra flavor; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir until well blended—you want everything nicely coated! For more inspiration, check out this rosemary garlic white bean soup recipe.
Pour this creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts in your baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula so every piece gets that luscious sauce.
Now comes the fun part—crush your Ritz crackers into small pieces. Mix these crumbs with melted butter until they are all glistening like tiny golden jewels. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your casserole.
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that time, remove the foil so the topping can crisp up beautifully and bake for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
When you take that casserole out of the oven, let it cool for about five minutes before serving so no one burns their tongue on that deliciously hot filling.
Enjoy every bite as you recall fond memories or create new ones around this delightful chicken casserole with ritz crackers! sweet chili chicken dishes.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This chicken casserole with Ritz crackers is comfort food at its best; it’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying. The buttery Ritz add a delightful crunch that transforms an ordinary dish into an extraordinary meal everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your chicken thoroughly, then combine with vegetables, seasonings, and cream before topping with crushed Ritz crackers. This order ensures everything melds beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different veggies like broccoli or green beans, use shredded cheese for added creaminess, or even throw in some cooked bacon for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot, ensuring the topping stays crispy.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Always pre-cook your chicken for a more flavorful base. Don’t skimp on seasoning; it’s key to a tasty casserole. Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate flavors. [/info_box]
Cooking this chicken casserole with Ritz crackers brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table. For more inspiration, check out this cozy rotisserie chicken soup recipe.
FAQ
How can I make chicken casserole with Ritz crackers healthier?
Consider using whole grain crackers and adding more vegetables for extra nutrients.
Can I prepare chicken casserole with Ritz crackers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day ahead and bake when you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve alongside this casserole?
Pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken casserole with Ritz crackers is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike, delivering rich flavors and nostalgic warmth in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and frozen vegetables until well combined. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool for five minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (about 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
