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.
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.