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Chicken Ritz Cracker Casserole - Cozy, Crunchy Comfort Food

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but tasty)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30–35 crackers), crushed
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed), 1/2 cup diced onion (sautéed), 1 cup cooked rice
  • Nonstick cooking spray or a little butter for greasing the dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth.
  3. Season and enrich: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Fold in the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese. If using veggies or rice, add them now.
  4. Assemble: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Crush the crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and lightly crush with your hands or a rolling pin. You want coarse crumbs, not powder.
  6. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated.
  7. Top the casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture, covering the surface.
  8. Bake: Place the dish on the middle rack and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  9. Rest, then serve: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes to set up a bit. Scoop and serve warm.