Paula Deen Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on June 19, 2023 | Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Do you want to try something new but don’t have much experience in the kitchen? Well, this is the perfect solution for you. You can go for a fusion of chicken and Ritz crackers. 

Yes, I am talking about the Paula Deen Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers recipe. It is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that will make your dinner table more interesting.

To find out more, let’s explore the ingredients and cooking tips that will help you make this dish in a jiffy.

What Is Paula Deen Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers?

Paula Deen’s chicken casserole with Ritz crackers is a classic Southern-style dish that combines shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, mayonnaise, and chicken broth. 

To top it off, the casserole is finished with a crunchy layer of crushed Ritz crackers for extra flavor and texture. This flavorful dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or just your own family on busy weeknights.

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Where Did I First Try Paula Deen chicken casserole with Ritz crackers?

I first experienced Paula Deen’s chicken casserole with Ritz crackers when I visited Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen in Nashville, Tennessee. It was such a treat to visit the restaurant and taste some of Paula’s classic Southern cooking. 

The dish in question certainly caught my attention when it was being served up at the table – I knew I had to give it a try!

I started by tasting a small spoonful of the casserole, and I could immediately tell why this particular dish is such a classic. The cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and garlic powder formed a rich and creamy base for the shredded chicken. 

And the crunchy layer of crushed Ritz crackers added an irresistible texture to the dish. It was simply delicious!

I knew I had to take the recipe home with me so that I could recreate it for my family. 

Now, it’s become a favorite in our home, and we make it often for busy weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: You will need cooked chicken. You can use either pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or cook it fresh yourself.
• Cream of chicken soup: Use one can for the base of this casserole. Also, if you are using gluten-free crackers, make sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
• Sour cream: This will add a nice tanginess and creaminess to the casserole.
• Unsalted butter: Melt the butter before adding it to the mixture.
• Garlic powder: Sprinkle garlic powder over the top of the casserole before baking.
• Mayonnaise: This will help bind the ingredients together and add a nice flavor to the dish.
• Chicken broth: Use this to thin out the casserole if it is too thick.
• Ritz crackers: Crush the crackers before sprinkling them over the top of the casserole.
• Salt & pepper: Season to taste.

Cooking Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, mayonnaise, and chicken broth. Combine them well.

Step 2

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the casserole.

Step 3

Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot with a side salad or your favorite vegetables.

Baking Tips

• Before baking the casserole, make sure to give it a few minutes to rest so that the ingredients can bind together properly. This will ensure a creamy and flavorful dish.
• If you want to add some extra flavor to the casserole, try adding diced onions or different herbs like thyme or oregano.
• If the casserole is too dry after baking, add additional chicken broth to thin it out and make it creamy aga the dish a Mexican twist, try replacing the cream of chicken soup with enchilada sauce and adding some diced jalapenos or green chilies.

What Ingredients Can I Replace or Substitute While Making It?

• If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, try using low-fat or fat-free sour cream instead of full-fat.
• You can also use different types of crackers for the topping such as saltines, or oyster crackers, or even potato chips.
• When you don’t have the cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with a combination of 1/2 cup of butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of milk.

Nutrition Information

A single serving of Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers contains

• 350 calories,
• 19 g fat,
• 12 g carbohydrates,
• 18 g protein, and
• 2.3 g fiber.

How to Store Leftover Paula deen chicken casserole with Ritz crackers?

The best way to store leftovers is by placing the cooled casserole in an airtight container and storing it in the fridge. The casserole will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator.

You can also freeze this dish for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (176°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Wrapping Up

This recipe is a sure-fire hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Plus it can be made ahead of time for busy weeknights. So why not give this classic Paula Deen Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers recipe a try? You won’t regret it!

When you try, make sure to share the outcome with us and send it to your friends and family!

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