Description

This creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a rich sauce made from cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Topped with a crispy Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese crust, it’s a quick and easy meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

Cooking spray, for greasing
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 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Topping

31 Ritz crackers (from 1 sleeve), crushed (about 1 1/3 cups)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional garnish

Chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

Preheat and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly grease an 11″ x 8″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make the filling: 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 is smooth and well combined.
Add chicken and peas: Gently fold in the cooked shredded chicken and thawed peas into the creamy mixture. Season with freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Transfer this filling to the prepared baking dish and evenly spread it out in a smooth layer.
Add cheddar cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
Prepare the topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
Top the casserole: Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the cheese layer to create a crispy crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is browned on top and bubbling around the edges.
Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes to set. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add chopped cooked onions or garlic when mixing the filling.
Substitute frozen peas with other vegetables like carrots or corn if preferred.
If you want a lower-fat version, use low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat sour cream.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, Ritz cracker casserole, creamy chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, baked chicken dish, casserole recipes