Description
This Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and a rich cream of chicken soup base. Topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers, this casserole is baked to golden perfection, offering a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly spread the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared 9×9 inch baking dish, smoothing it out for an even layer.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, making sure all the cracker pieces are coated thoroughly. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting and hearty chicken casserole as a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme to the chicken mixture.
- The topping can be made with any buttery crackers if Ritz are not available.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
