Bookmark
This hearty casserole blends tender shredded chicken with creamy sour cream, savory cheddar, and a golden topping of buttery crackers to create a comforting meal that comes together quickly with just five simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd when you want something warm, satisfying, and easy to prepare without sacrificing flavor.
I first made this when a friend handed me leftover rotisserie chicken needing a quick meal. Now every time it bakes my house fills with smells that get everyone excited for dinner.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken: for a juicy, tender base rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut
- Cream of chicken soup: provides a rich, thick sauce that binds everything together
- Sour cream: adds creaminess and a slight tang full fat gives the best texture
- Shredded cheddar cheese: brings sharp, melty cheesiness freshly shredded from a block melts and tastes far better than pre shredded
- Buttery crackers: crushed on top give a golden, crunchy finish Ritz are classic but any buttery cracker works well
- Optional black pepper or dried parsley: adds a little color and flavor lift if you like
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to a true 350 degrees Fahrenheit for even baking throughout. Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray to keep the casserole from sticking and to create those perfectly crispy edges everybody loves.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or spatula until the mixture is creamy and uniform with no clumps of soup or cheese left behind.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of your spoon to smooth the top so that the cracker topping will bake up golden and uniform across the surface.
- Add the Cracker Topping:
- Place your buttery crackers in a sealable bag and crush them evenly using a rolling pin or your hands until you have fine crumbs. Sprinkle this cracker topping evenly over the entire filling to ensure even crunch and coverage.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Carefully place the casserole into your preheated oven. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes, keeping an eye out for bubbling edges and a golden brown top. This indicates the casserole is heated through and the topping is perfectly crisp.
- Let It Rest:
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for five to ten minutes before slicing. Resting helps the filling set so servings hold together well and cleanup is easier.
The cracker topping always steals the show with its golden crunch. My kids love helping to crush and sprinkle the crackers which makes baking feel special and reminiscent of helping my grandmother. The smell of melted cheese fills the kitchen and signals something cozy and comforting is on its way.
Storage Tips
Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering with foil or placing in an airtight container and refrigerating. Leftovers will last for up to four days. For reheating, warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire dish in a moderate oven covered with foil to keep the cracker topping crispy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have rotisserie chicken, cooked shredded turkey works well too. For a different flavor profile, try pepper jack cheese or substitute cream of mushroom soup for a subtle earthy note. Gluten free crackers and soups can make this casserole suitable for special diets without losing the comforting feel.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with something green and fresh such as a simple salad or steamed green beans to balance out the richness. For bigger appetites, serve alongside mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls which soak up the creamy sauce wonderfully.
This simple casserole is a comforting weeknight winner that always draws a crowd. Serve it with a bright green side to balance the richness.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, shredded cooked turkey works well as a substitute for chicken, maintaining the dish's creamy texture and flavor.
- → How do I keep the cracker topping crispy?
Sprinkle the cracker topping just before baking and avoid covering the dish to keep the topping crisp and golden.
- → Can this dish be assembled ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate it up to a day ahead. Add the cracker topping right before baking for the best texture.
- → What variations can I try to change the flavors?
Try adding peas, carrots, or swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese. Cooked bacon bits add an extra savory touch.
- → Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, assemble without the cracker topping and freeze. Thaw overnight and add the topping before baking for fresh results.
- → What sides pair well with this casserole?
Fresh green salads, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or warm dinner rolls complement this creamy casserole perfectly.