Name: Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 chicken breasts; ½ yellow onion; 1 red bell pepper; 2 garlic cloves; ½ tsp coarse ground black pepper; 10¾ oz condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup whole milk; 28 Ritz crackers; 1 cup Cheddar Cheese

For an effortless and comforting meal, this easy chicken casserole recipe is a perfect choice. It combines tender chicken breasts with cheddar cheese, bell pepper, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a crunchy ritz crackers crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Photos of Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up cream of chicken soup and ritz crackers if you don't have them on hand. These provide the creamy base and the crispy topping that make this casserole so delicious.

Ingredients For Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe

unsalted butter: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables, and for mixing with the cracker topping.

chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, providing tender and juicy bites.

yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and flavor depth to the casserole.

red bell pepper: Brings color and a mild, sweet flavor to the dish.

garlic cloves: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic quality.

coarse ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning to the mix.

condensed cream of chicken soup: Creates the creamy base for the casserole.

sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang to the sauce.

whole milk: Helps to create the creamy consistency of the sauce.

ritz crackers: Provides a crunchy, buttery topping for the casserole.

cheddar cheese: Melts into the topping to create a cheesy, crispy crust.

One reader, Addia Hawes says:

This easy chicken casserole recipe is a game-changer! The creamy sauce and crunchy Ritz topping are a perfect match. My family loved it, and it was so simple to make. Definitely adding this to our regular dinner rotation!

Addia Hawes

Essential Techniques for Making Easy Chicken Casserole

How to cook chicken breasts: Heat butter in a skillet and cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked. How to chop chicken: After cooking, roughly chop the chicken into pieces. How to cook vegetables: Sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and black pepper in butter until the onions are translucent. How to mix ingredients: Combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk, then mix well. How to melt butter: Heat the remaining butter until fully melted. How to mix toppings: Combine the melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese. How to bake casserole: Sprinkle the cracker and cheese mixture over the chicken and bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

How To Make Easy Chicken Casserole

Done in 45 minutes, our savory chicken casserole is a fail-proof recipe made with chicken, onion, and creamy sauce topped with Ritz crackers and cheddar!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Total: 45 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8tbspbutter,unsalted, divided
4chicken breasts,boneless, skinless
½yellow onion,chopped
1red bell pepper,chopped
2garlic cloves,minced
½tspground black pepper,coarse
10¾ozcondensed cream of chicken soup
1cupsour cream
½cupwhole milk
28Ritz crackers,crumbled
1cupcheddar cheese,shredded

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a large skillet on medium heat, and cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side before moving the chicken to a plate. Roughly chop the chicken.
Add 2 more tablespoons of the butter with the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and black pepper on medium heat and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
Add in the cream of chicken, sour cream and milk and mix well then pour the mixture into your baking dish.
Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and mix with the Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle it over the chicken, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 483.56kcal
Fat: 36.25g
Saturated Fat: 17.68g
Trans Fat: 0.87g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10.79g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.32g
Carbohydrates: 13.82g
Fiber: 0.76g
Sugar: 3.76g
Protein: 25.34g
Cholesterol: 122.56mg
Sodium: 553.06mg
Calcium: 201.16mg
Potassium: 348.14mg
Iron: 1.75mg
Vitamin A: 258.79µg
Vitamin C: 20.10mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Your Casserole Technique

When cooking the chicken in the skillet, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than sear, which will prevent it from developing a nice golden-brown crust. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and better flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Pre-cook the chicken: Cook and chop the chicken breasts in advance, then store them in the fridge until needed.

Chop veggies ahead: Dice the onion and bell pepper beforehand and keep them in airtight containers.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Crush crackers quickly: Place the ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.

Melt butter in microwave: Melt the butter in the microwave to speed up the process.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a healthier fat option and adds a subtle flavor.
chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a similar texture and slightly stronger flavor.
red bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers offer a slightly more bitter taste but similar texture.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with fine ground black pepper: Fine ground black pepper will blend more smoothly into the dish.
condensed cream of chicken soup - Substitute with condensed cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup offers a similar creamy texture with a different flavor profile.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture with added protein.
whole milk - Substitute with 2% milk: 2% milk is a lower-fat option that still maintains a creamy consistency.
ritz crackers - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a similar crunchy texture without the added salt.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and provides a milder flavor.

How to Beautifully Present Your Chicken Casserole

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the chicken casserole in elegant, individual-sized ramekins to ensure each guest receives a perfectly portioned serving.
Use decoration: Garnish the top of each ramekin with a sprig of fresh parsley or a light dusting of finely chopped chives to add a pop of color and freshness.
Layer flavors: Create a base layer of creamy sauce in the ramekin, followed by the chicken mixture, and top with the crisp cracker and cheese topping for a visually appealing and flavorful experience.
Add texture contrast: Include a side of lightly dressed mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole and add a refreshing crunch.
Highlight ingredients: Place a few thin slices of red bell pepper and yellow onion on top of the casserole before baking to showcase the fresh ingredients used in the dish.
Use high-quality serveware: Serve the casserole in high-end, oven-to-table porcelain ramekins to elevate the presentation and maintain the dish's temperature.
Incorporate height: Stack the chicken pieces slightly higher in the center of the ramekin to create an appealing mound that draws the eye.
Finish with a drizzle: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the top of the casserole to add a touch of luxury and enhance the flavors.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Casseroles

Oven: Used to bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Large skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
Knife: Needed to roughly chop the cooked chicken breasts.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the chicken and vegetables.
Spatula: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
Measuring spoons: Required to measure out the butter and black pepper accurately.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the sour cream and milk.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
Mixing bowl: For combining the melted butter, Ritz crackers, and cheddar cheese.
Baking dish: The vessel in which the casserole will be baked.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves.
Cheese grater: If you are grating the cheddar cheese yourself.
Microwave: Optional, for melting the butter quickly if preferred.
Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Easy Chicken Casserole

Let the chicken casserole cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents. Frozen casserole will maintain its best quality for 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated casserole, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to crisp up the cracker topping.
If reheating frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Adjust the baking time as needed, as it may take longer to heat through from a frozen state. Keep the dish covered with foil to prevent over-browning, removing it towards the end of baking.
For best results, consume the reheated chicken casserole immediately. Repeated reheating may cause the dish to dry out or become overcooked.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chicken casserole to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker option, reheat individual portions of the casserole in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent the casserole from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat smaller portions of the chicken casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a serving of the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is lightly crispy.
For a stovetop method, transfer the leftover casserole to a skillet or saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help maintain the casserole's moisture. Heat the casserole over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover chicken casserole, consider topping it with some shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives before reheating. This will give the casserole a new flavor profile and make it feel like a fresh meal.

Interesting Trivia About Chicken Casseroles

A fun fact about this chicken casserole recipe is that the Ritz crackers topping adds a delightful crunch, making it a favorite comfort food. The condensed cream of chicken soup not only enhances the flavor but also simplifies the preparation, making it an easy and quick dish to prepare for busy weeknights.

Is Making Chicken Casserole at Home Cost-Effective?

This easy chicken casserole recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like chicken breasts, yellow onion, red bell pepper, and cheddar cheese, it leverages pantry staples such as condensed cream of chicken soup and ritz crackers. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?

This chicken casserole recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to its high content of saturated fats and sodium. The generous use of butter, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and whole milk contributes to the dish's rich and creamy texture but also adds a significant amount of saturated fats. Moreover, the Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese topping, although providing a satisfying crunch and flavor, further increases the overall fat and sodium content of the casserole.

To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following modifications:

Replace half of the butter with olive oil or a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt
Use low-fat or reduced-sodium condensed cream of chicken soup
Opt for low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt instead of regular sour cream
Substitute whole milk with low-fat or skim milk
Reduce the amount of Ritz crackers and cheddar cheese topping or replace them with healthier options like whole-wheat breadcrumbs and reduced-fat cheese
Incorporate more vegetables into the casserole, such as mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli, to increase the dish's nutritional value and fiber content

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Chicken Casserole

This easy chicken casserole recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy Ritz cracker topping creates a delightful texture contrast. The use of condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream ensures a rich and creamy base, while the cheddar cheese adds a satisfying sharpness. The inclusion of bell pepper and onion provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. Overall, it's a well-balanced, crowd-pleasing recipe that's simple to prepare and sure to become a family favorite.

Enhance Your Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Imagine pairing your easy chicken casserole with a creamy, buttery potato delight. The garlic infusion will elevate the flavors, making each bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for soaking up that rich, savory sauce from the casserole.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Add a touch of sophistication with these crispy brussels sprouts, drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. The caramelized edges and the slight bitterness of the sprouts will contrast beautifully with the creamy, cheesy goodness of your main dish.

Cranberry Walnut Salad: Brighten up your meal with a refreshing salad featuring tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty vinaigrette. This vibrant side will add a burst of color and a delightful crunch, balancing the richness of the casserole.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with a luscious honey coating will bring a touch of sweetness to your plate. The natural sugars in the carrots caramelize beautifully, creating a side dish that's both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: For a nutritious and flavorful addition, consider a quinoa pilaf infused with fresh herbs. The nutty flavor of quinoa combined with aromatic herbs will complement the creamy chicken casserole, adding a wholesome and hearty element to your meal.

Similar Casserole Recipes to Try

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake: Indulge in a creamy blend of broccoli, chicken, and cheddar cheese topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Chicken and Rice Casserole: A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables all baked together in a creamy sauce. Ideal for a hearty meal.

Chicken Pot Pie: Savor the classic flavors of chicken, carrots, peas, and potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a flaky pie crust. A timeless favorite.

Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Spice things up with this zesty casserole featuring chicken smothered in buffalo sauce, mixed with pasta and cheese. A game-day hit!

Chicken Alfredo Bake: Enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of chicken and pasta in a decadent alfredo sauce, baked to perfection with a golden cheese topping. A delightful twist on a classic.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Easy Chicken Casserole

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable stuffed mushrooms. Start by selecting large, fresh mushrooms and remove their stems. Create a savory filling using cream cheese, garlic, and finely chopped spinach. Add a touch of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for texture. Bake until golden brown and serve warm. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering and will leave your guests craving more.

Bruschetta: Delight your guests with a classic bruschetta that bursts with flavor. Begin with slices of toasted baguette brushed with olive oil. Top each slice with a mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and minced garlic. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper. This vibrant and refreshing appetizer is a perfect start to any meal, offering a taste of Italy in every bite.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the decadence of a Chocolate Lava Cake. Imagine a rich, molten center that flows out as you take your first bite, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey chocolate and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a symphony of flavors and textures. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh raspberries for a touch of elegance. This dessert is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, leaving your guests in awe of your culinary skills.**

Lemon Meringue Pie: Delight your taste buds with a Lemon Meringue Pie. The tangy lemon curd filling is perfectly balanced by the sweet, fluffy meringue topping. The crust is buttery and crisp, providing the ideal foundation for the vibrant lemon filling. As you slice through the meringue, it holds its shape, revealing the luscious lemon layer beneath. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a twist of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. This dessert is a classic that never fails to impress, making it a must-try for any home baker.**

Why trust this Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe:

This easy chicken casserole recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese creates a comforting and flavorful dish. The ritz crackers topping adds a delightful crunch, making each bite irresistible. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe ensures a delicious meal with minimal effort. Trust in its simplicity and enjoy a hearty, home-cooked dinner that will satisfy the whole family.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses. Just make sure it melts well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They might take a bit longer to cook, but they'll add a richer flavor to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it. When you're ready to eat, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

If you don't have Ritz crackers, you can use any buttery cracker or even breadcrumbs. Just make sure to mix them with the melted butter and cheese for that crunchy topping.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can make a few swaps to lighten it up: use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter version of the cream of chicken soup. You can also add more veggies like broccoli or spinach to boost the nutritional value.