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Creamy Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe

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4.7 from 136 reviews

This creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and a crunchy buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s an easy-to-make family favorite perfect for dinner or potlucks.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

Cheese and Dairy

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Ensure you have 3 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. If starting with raw chicken, cook it by boiling or baking (approx. 20-25 minutes at 375°F/190°C), then cool slightly and shred or dice.
  2. Make the Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with 1/2 cup melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are evenly coated. Set aside.
  3. Mix the Creamy Base: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Whisk until completely smooth and well combined to create a creamy mixture.
  4. Add Seasonings: Stir in the sliced green onions, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to incorporate all the seasonings evenly.
  5. Combine Chicken with Cream Mixture: Gently fold the shredded chicken into the creamy mixture until evenly coated, taking care not to overmix to maintain the chicken’s texture.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over this layer. Spoon the remaining chicken mixture on top, followed by the remaining 1 cup of cheddar. Evenly scatter the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs on the surface, gently pressing down.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving to set and meld flavors.

Notes

  • You can use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken to simplify preparation.
  • For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before baking, as different mayonnaise or sour cream brands can vary in saltiness.
  • To make it lower in fat, substitute light sour cream and mayonnaise.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://forkvista.com/creamy-chicken-casserole-with-ritz-crackers-recipe/