Description
Southern comfort meets creamy “Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole” with crispy golden topping and tender chicken layers. Comfort classics blend perfectly for hearty family dinners you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Crackers:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced and seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Create a creamy base by whisking cream of chicken soup with chicken broth until completely smooth and lump-free.
- Spread a generous layer of sour cream directly over the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Pour the soup and broth mixture evenly across the sour cream layer, covering the entire surface of the chicken.
- Combine crushed Ritz crackers with grated Parmesan cheese and melted butter in a separate bowl, mixing until the crackers are thoroughly coated.
- Distribute the cracker mixture uniformly across the top of the casserole, creating a crispy and golden topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the topping turns a rich, golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven to help the layers set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and a hint of freshness before serving hot.
Notes
- Boost chicken flavor by rubbing herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder before baking to elevate the taste profile.
- Customize casserole with low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup for a healthier version.
- Add colorful vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to increase nutritional value and create a complete one-dish meal.
- Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg