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This Ritz cracker chicken casserole transforms ordinary chicken into a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table. The buttery cracker topping creates a golden crust that perfectly complements the creamy chicken underneath, making this dish impossible to resist.
I first made this casserole when my sister and her family came for an impromptu weekend visit. The dish was such a hit that my nephew who normally pushes chicken around his plate asked for seconds and now requests it whenever they visit.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: these provide the protein foundation and absorb all the delicious flavors
- Salt and pepper: essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken
- Ritz crackers: the star ingredient that creates that distinctive buttery crunch on top
- Parmesan cheese: adds a savory depth and helps the topping brown beautifully
- Unsalted butter: binds the topping together and adds richness
- Sour cream: creates tanginess and creaminess that balances the dish
- Cream of chicken soup: provides thickness and concentrated chicken flavor
- Chicken broth: thins the sauce to the perfect consistency
- Fresh parsley: optional but adds brightness and color to the finished dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9x13 baking dish to prevent sticking. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks through while allowing the topping to become perfectly golden. Make sure to position your rack in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a single layer in your prepared baking dish ensuring they don't overlap. Even thickness helps them cook at the same rate so consider pounding thicker parts slightly if needed.
- Make the Cracker Topping:
- In a medium bowl combine the crushed Ritz crackers with grated Parmesan cheese. Pour in the melted butter and mix until every crumb is moistened. The mixture should hold together slightly when pressed but still remain crumbly. The butter helps the topping brown and crisp up during baking.
- Layer the Creamy Base:
- Spread the sour cream directly over the seasoned chicken using a spatula to create an even layer. This creates a protective barrier that keeps the chicken moist during baking while adding tanginess to balance the rich flavors.
- Create the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture evenly over the sour cream layer letting it flow around the chicken. This creates the luxurious sauce that will surround the chicken as it bakes.
- Add the Cracker Topping:
- Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the entire dish making sure to cover all the way to the edges. Avoid pressing down too firmly as you want the topping to remain light and crispy.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The dish is ready when the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly cover loosely with foil.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This gives the sauce time to thicken slightly and flavors to meld. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
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My grandmother always insisted on using real butter when making this recipe never margarine. She claimed it was the secret to getting that perfect golden brown topping that makes everyone reach for seconds. Every time I make this dish I think of her kitchen and how she taught me that simple ingredients prepared with care make the most memorable meals.
Make Ahead Instructions
This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance. You can assemble the entire dish up to a day before baking and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. You may need to add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. The cracker topping might soften slightly in the refrigerator but will still crisp up beautifully during baking.
Easy Variations
The basic recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted in many ways. Try adding a layer of steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables between the chicken and sour cream for a complete meal in one dish. For extra flavor mix in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder to the sour cream. You can also substitute different cream soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery depending on what you have on hand. For a spicy kick add a small can of diced green chilies or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus make excellent vegetable accompaniments. For starchy sides consider buttered egg noodles or a fluffy rice pilaf to soak up the delicious sauce. A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully for adults while the kids enjoy milk or lemonade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this dish. Use boneless thighs and adjust cooking time as needed.
- → How can I make this dish lower in fat?
Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and less butter in the cracker topping for a lighter version.
- → Do I need to cook the chicken before baking?
No, the chicken cooks in the oven. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day before baking.
- → What side dishes pair well with this chicken bake?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.