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Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole - Comforting, Crunchy, and Easy

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

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream (full-fat preferred for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for a looser sauce)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend like Colby Jack)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, adds mild warmth)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30–35 crackers), crushed
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Make the creamy base. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth (if using). Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the chicken and cheese. Fold in the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Transfer to the dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Crush the crackers. Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with your hands or a rolling pin. You want small pieces, not fine crumbs, for the best crunch.
  6. Make the topping. In a bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Stir until all the pieces are lightly coated.
  7. Top and bake. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
  8. Add final cheese (optional). If you like a cheesy top, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole in the last 5 minutes of baking.
  9. Rest and serve. Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.