This creamy and comforting casserole is a family favorite, featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups crushed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, spreading it out to cover them completely.
4. Make the Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
5. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the sauce-covered chicken. Press down gently to ensure the topping adheres to the sauce.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Crushing Ritz Crackers: Place the crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass for even crumbs.
- Customize the Filling: Add sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Leftover Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce before adding the topping.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a buttery, crunchy topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!
