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 mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal
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
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)
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.
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.
- 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