Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Flavorful: The combination of creamy soup, sour cream, and crunchy Ritz crackers makes for a rich and satisfying casserole.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps and bakes in under an hour.
• Versatile: You can add vegetables like broccoli or peas to the casserole to make it a complete meal.

Ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

• 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

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. ️

2. Season the Chicken:

   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish.

3. Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir well to coat the crackers evenly.

4. Layer the Sour Cream:

   • Spread the sour cream evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.

5. Prepare the Cream Sauce:

   • In another bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken and sour cream layer.

6. Top with Crackers:

   • Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

8. Rest and Garnish:

   • Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

9. Serve:

   • Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with your favorite sides! ️

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetables: Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra texture and nutrition.
• Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top for an extra cheesy twist.
• Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add extra flavor to the chicken by seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or oregano.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can be used instead of breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. After assembling, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I use light sour cream?

Yes, you can use light sour cream in place of regular sour cream, though it may affect the richness of the dish slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness.

Conclusion

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or serving to your family. With its crispy, buttery topping and creamy interior, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household!

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