Ingredients:
- 3 (10.75 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 container sour cream
- Chopped scallions
- Shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 to 3 sleeves of Ritz Crackers, crushed
- 12 oz Cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained
- Couple of handfuls of shredded cheese (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 stick of butter, melted
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the Cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chopped scallions, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the cooked pasta evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish (and a mini 9×6 dish if using).
- Pour the prepared chicken mixture over the pasta, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Ritz Crackers:
- Sprinkle the crushed Ritz Crackers over the chicken mixture, covering it completely.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the crackers.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole dish(es) in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole!
This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or for making ahead of time for an easy weeknight dinner. Enjoy the cozy comfort of this delicious homemade casserole!
Here are some helpful tips to elevate your Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole even more:
- Add Seasonings: Consider adding additional seasonings to the chicken mixture for extra flavor. Try garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like thyme or parsley, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: While canned cream of chicken soup works perfectly fine, making your own homemade version can take the flavor of the casserole to the next level. You can control the ingredients and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Incorporate Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to add depth of flavor to the casserole. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can all complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Add Vegetables: Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding vegetables to the casserole. Chopped broccoli, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Simply mix them into the chicken mixture before assembling the casserole.
- Toast the Ritz Crackers: For an extra crunchy topping, toast the crushed Ritz crackers in a skillet with a bit of butter before sprinkling them over the casserole. This will add an additional layer of flavor and texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle the casserole with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. It will not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of flavor.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.
- Serve with a Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the casserole with a crisp, refreshing side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the creamy texture of the casserole perfectly.
By incorporating these tips, you can take your Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole from delightful to absolutely irresistible!
Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole:
- Moisture Control: Ensure your cooked chicken isn’t too wet. If using rotisserie chicken, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents the casserole from becoming too watery.
- Properly Seasoned Chicken Mixture: Season the chicken mixture generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices. Taste and adjust the seasoning before assembling the casserole to ensure it’s well-flavored.
- Uniform Distribution: Mix the chicken, sauce, and pasta thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the casserole. This ensures every bite is delicious and creamy.
- Balanced Sauce: Adjust the ratio of cream of chicken soup to sour cream to achieve the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor. Taste the mixture and adjust the amounts accordingly to suit your preferences.
- Cracker Crunch: Crush the Ritz crackers to a uniform size for even coverage on top of the casserole. Ensure they are not crushed too finely to maintain a satisfying crunch after baking.
- Butter Drizzle Technique: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the crushed crackers to help them brown and crisp up during baking. Use a pastry brush or spoon to ensure every part of the topping gets coated.
- Optimal Baking Time and Temperature: Bake the casserole at the recommended temperature (350°F) for the specified time (25-30 minutes) or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. Avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Resting Period: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the casserole with additional ingredients such as vegetables, different cheeses, or seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Just ensure they are properly cooked or prepped before adding them to the casserole.
By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole that’s bursting with flavor and texture!
Here are some popular questions and answers related to Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole:
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand. Penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni are all good options.
- Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?
- While Ritz crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other types of crackers such as butter crackers or saltine crackers.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers of this casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire casserole to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
- Absolutely! Homemade cream of chicken soup can elevate the flavor of the casserole. You can find many recipes online for homemade cream of chicken soup.
- What can I serve with Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
- This casserole pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. It’s also delicious on its own as a complete meal.
- Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
- Yes, leftover turkey works just as well in this recipe. Simply substitute shredded turkey for the shredded chicken.
- How can I make this casserole healthier?
- To make this casserole healthier, you can use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, whole grain pasta, and reduce the amount of butter or use a healthier alternative such as olive oil.
- Can I add extra cheese to the casserole?
- Yes, feel free to add more cheese if you prefer a cheesier casserole. Just sprinkle it over the chicken mixture before adding the cracker topping.
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Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free crackers to make this casserole gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.