Name: Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-496733H4M19S
Total time: PT-496733H4M19S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream (240 g); 1½ teaspoons onion powder; 1½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 8 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 kg or 2 rotisserie chickens); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (225 g); 2 full sleeves Ritz crackers, lightly crushed (250 g); 4 tablespoons melted butter (56 g)

This Chicken Casserole is one of my favorite comfort-food dinners when I want something creamy, cheesy, and satisfying without complicated preparation. I combine tender shredded chicken with a rich cream of chicken and sour cream filling, add plenty of cheddar cheese, and finish everything with buttery crushed Ritz crackers. Once baked, I get a bubbling casserole with a crisp, golden topping and a creamy center that works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream (240 g)

1½ teaspoons onion powder

1½ teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

8 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 kg or 2 rotisserie chickens)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (225 g)

2 full sleeves Ritz crackers, lightly crushed (250 g)

4 tablespoons melted butter (56 g)

Directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C), then lightly coat a 13×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, I combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. I stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

I fold the shredded cooked chicken and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. I make sure the chicken is well coated before spreading everything evenly in my prepared casserole dish.

In a medium bowl, I toss the lightly crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. I mix until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated, which helps create that crisp, buttery topping.

I sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling. Then I scatter the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

I bake the casserole for 35–40 minutes, until the creamy filling is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is lightly golden brown.

After removing the casserole from the oven, I let it rest for 15–20 minutes. I find that this resting period helps the creamy filling set and makes the casserole easier to portion.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 35–40 minutes

Total time: about 1 hour, plus 15–20 minutes of resting time

Servings: 6

Calories: approximately 690 kcal per serving

Variations

For a vegetable-packed version, I sometimes fold cooked broccoli, peas, spinach, or mixed vegetables into the chicken mixture before baking. I make sure any vegetables with a lot of moisture are well drained so they do not make my casserole watery.

When I want a slightly different cheese flavor, I replace some of the cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or pepper Jack. Pepper Jack is particularly useful when I want a little extra heat.

I can also change the topping. Instead of Ritz crackers, I sometimes use buttery breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or another crisp cracker. If I want more seasoning, I add a little dried parsley, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the buttery crumbs.

For an even heartier meal, I can mix cooked rice or pasta into the filling. When I do this, I may add a little extra cream of chicken soup or sour cream to keep the casserole creamy.

Storage/Reheating

I let leftover chicken casserole cool before transferring it to an airtight container or covering the casserole dish tightly. I store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

For reheating individual portions, I use the microwave until the center is thoroughly hot. If I am reheating several servings, I prefer the oven because it helps restore some of the cracker topping’s texture. I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, removing the foil toward the end if I want the topping to crisp again.

I can also freeze the casserole, although I prefer freezing the creamy chicken filling without the cracker topping. I add freshly buttered crackers and cheese before baking so the topping stays crisp rather than becoming soft after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for chicken casserole?

Yes. I find rotisserie chicken especially convenient because it is already cooked and usually stays tender in the casserole. I remove the skin and bones, shred the meat, and measure approximately 8 cups for this recipe.

Can I make this chicken casserole ahead of time?

Yes. I can prepare the creamy chicken mixture and spread it into my casserole dish ahead of time. I cover and refrigerate it, then add the buttery cracker topping and remaining cheddar shortly before baking. This keeps my crackers from absorbing moisture while the casserole sits in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If I do not want to use condensed cream of chicken soup, I can use a homemade condensed chicken soup substitute. A thick homemade mixture made with butter, flour, chicken broth, milk or cream, and seasonings can provide a similar creamy consistency.

How can I keep the Ritz cracker topping crispy?

I add my buttered Ritz crackers shortly before the casserole goes into the oven rather than letting them sit on the creamy filling for hours. I also bake the casserole uncovered so excess moisture can escape and the topping has a chance to become golden and crisp.

What can I serve with chicken casserole?

Because this casserole is rich and creamy, I like pairing it with something lighter. I often serve it with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, asparagus, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. If I want an especially hearty dinner, I can add mashed potatoes, rice, or warm dinner rolls.

Conclusion

This Chicken Casserole is the kind of comforting dinner I like keeping in my recipe collection for busy evenings and relaxed family meals. The creamy chicken and cheddar filling is rich and satisfying, while the buttery Ritz cracker topping adds just the right amount of crunch.

I also appreciate how easily I can customize it with vegetables, different cheeses, or alternative toppings. Whether I prepare it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or make-ahead meal, I get a warm and filling casserole made from familiar ingredients with very little complicated prep.

Chicken Casserole