Description
This incredibly rich and creamy chicken casserole features tender shredded chicken, a decadent cheese sauce, and a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 sleeve (approx. 35 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 0.5 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the creamy mixture. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Step 5: In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until the crackers are fully coated.
Step 6: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 0.5 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken mixture.
Step 7: Scatter the buttery Ritz cracker topping evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes for easier serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a lump-free, smooth sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg