Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers (Creamy, Cheesy, and Buttery Baked Classic)

Preheat and Prepare:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.

Mix the Filling:In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy.💡 Pro Tip: If your chicken is cold from the fridge, microwave it for 30 seconds first to make mixing easier.

Spread Into Your Dish:Spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly from corner to corner.

Make the Ritz Cracker Topping:Crush your Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor (not too fine—you want texture). Stir together with the melted butter until coated.Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.Bonus: Add 2 tablespoons of Parmesan or crushed French-fried onions to the topping for extra crunch and depth.

Bake to Golden Perfection:Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.