Description
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with a savory blend of cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, and spices. Topped with cheddar cheese and a crunchy Ritz cracker crust, it delivers a delightful texture contrast perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole
- Cooking spray
- 1 (10.75-oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 3/4 cup (4%) cottage cheese
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced chives
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping
- 31 Ritz crackers (from 1 sleeve), crushed (about 1 1/3 cups)
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
For Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 11″ x 8″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced chives, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken and Peas: Fold in the cooked shredded chicken and thawed peas gently. Season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare Ritz Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted unsalted butter, mixing thoroughly to coat the crumbs evenly.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the cheddar cheese layer. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is browned and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes to set. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for added color and freshness.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make sure the peas are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Substitute the cottage cheese with cream cheese for a creamier texture if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
