Paula Deen Chicken Ritz Cracker Casserole
A Southern comfort food casserole featuring tender shredded chicken in a rich, creamy sauce made with sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup, topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers that bake to golden perfection. This hearty one-dish meal delivers classic comfort flavors with a satisfying crunch from the iconic cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a crowd-pleasing dish that combines convenience with homestyle appeal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushedpanko breadcrumbs1:1gluten-free option availableadds gluten
less buttery
- salt, precisely measured to taste
- pepper, precisely measured to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F
- 2
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish
- 3
Combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, mayonnaise, and chicken broth in large mixing bowl
- 4
Mix ingredients well
- 5
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish
- 6
Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over top
- 7
Bake for 40 minutes until top is golden brown and bubbly
- 8
Serve hot
Tips
Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and better texture
For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken and add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mixture
Crush crackers in sealed bag with rolling pin for even texture and less mess
Good to Know
refrigerate up to 3 days covered
assemble day before, add crackers before baking
serve hot with side salad or vegetables
Common Mistakes
use room temperature ingredients to avoid curdling
do not overbake to avoid drying out the chicken
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Shred it and remove skin before mixing with other ingredients.
What if I do not have cream of chicken soup?
Substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup, or make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth.
How long does this casserole keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes.