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Paula Deen Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Paula Deen Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers is the perfect dish. This Southern-style casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and loved by both kids and adults.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13-Inch Baking Dish – The perfect size for even cooking
  • Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients easily
  • Grater or Microplane – For freshly shredded cheese
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate measurements

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole Filling:

  • Cooked Chicken: 3 cups shredded or cubed, rotisserie chicken works great
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can 10.5 ounces
  • Sour Cream: 1 cup adds extra creaminess
  • Milk: ½ cup to thin out the sauce
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
  • Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon for extra flavor
  • Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste

For the Ritz Cracker Topping:

  • Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve about 30 crackers, crushed
  • Butter: ½ cup 1 stick, melted

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Frozen Peas or Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup for extra nutrition
  • Bacon Bits: ½ cup because everything is better with bacon!
  • Mushrooms or Bell Peppers: ½ cup chopped (for added texture and flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Prepare the Chicken Mixture:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • If you’re adding vegetables or bacon, mix them in now.

Assemble the Casserole:

  • Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.

Make the Ritz Cracker Topping:

  • Place Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
  • Mix the cracker crumbs with melted butter in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole.

Bake the Casserole:

  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Let It Cool and Serve:

  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Notes

  • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting.
  • Shred Chicken Easily: Use a hand mixer to quickly shred warm cooked chicken.
  • Make It Spicier: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for some heat.
  • Add Vegetables: Broccoli, mushrooms, or peas make this casserole even heartier.
  • Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Keyword Chicken Casserole, Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers, Paula Deen Chicken Casserole