Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken Breast (Shredded): Approximately 3 cups, providing the heart of the casserole with lean protein and savory chicken flavor. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 2 cans (10.75 ounces each), forming the creamy and flavorful base of the casserole, adding richness and moisture.
- Cream of Celery Soup: 1 can (10.75 ounces), complementing the cream of chicken soup with a subtle vegetal note and enhancing the creamy texture.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup (8 ounces), contributing tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the soups and adding depth of flavor.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup, lending moisture and richness to the casserole, creating a smooth and cohesive texture.
- Water Chestnuts (Drained and Sliced): 1 can (8 ounces), offering a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, adding textural contrast and complexity.
- Chopped Onion: 1/2 cup, providing aromatic base notes and savory flavor, adding depth and complexity to the casserole.
- Salt: To taste, enhancing the flavors of all ingredients and ensuring a well-seasoned dish.
- Black Pepper: To taste, adding a touch of spice and complexity, complementing the savory flavors of the casserole.
- Ritz Crackers (Crushed): Approximately 1 sleeve (about 40 crackers), creating the signature buttery and crispy topping, adding a satisfying textural contrast.
- Melted Butter: 1/4 cup, drizzled over the crushed Ritz crackers, enhancing their buttery flavor and ensuring a golden brown and crispy topping.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, drained and sliced water chestnuts, and chopped onion.
- Season to Perfection: Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that Ritz crackers are slightly salty, so adjust your salt accordingly. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Ensure a consistent layer for even cooking and topping distribution.
- Create the Ritz Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. You can use your hands, a rolling pin, or a food processor for this step. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Pour the melted butter over the crushed Ritz crackers and toss to coat evenly. This buttery coating is key to the signature crispy and flavorful topping.
- Apply Ritz Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, covering the entire surface. Ensure an even layer of crumbs for a consistent and satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly around the edges, and the Ritz cracker topping is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the casserole should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Ritzy Chicken Casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy filling and crispy topping!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g