Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Bake
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Bake is a delightful one-dish meal that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It's made with tender, diced chicken breasts enveloped in a rich and cheesy Velveeta sauce, complemented by the freshness of celery and onion. The addition of buttery Ritz cracker crumbs creates a deliciously crispy topping, making every bite irresistible. Easy to prepare and bake, this comforting dish is sure to please everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
437.5
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (cooked and diced)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 can
Velveeta cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated)
Celery
1 1/2 cups (diced)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Chicken broth
3 cups
Ritz crackers
4 cups (crumbs (reserve 1 cup for topping))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and diced chicken breasts, cream of mushroom soup, grated Velveeta cheese, diced celery, chopped onion, beaten eggs, and chicken broth. Mix until well combined.
3
Gently fold in 3 cups of the Ritz cracker crumbs until evenly incorporated.
4
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the mixture to create a crunchy topping.
6
Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden brown and crispy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
50g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts, a rich Velveeta cheese sauce, and a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are boneless skinless chicken breasts, cream of mushroom soup, Velveeta cheese, celery, onion, eggs, chicken broth, and Ritz crackers.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
How long does this chicken bake take to cook?
The casserole should be baked uncovered for approximately 1 hour.
Do the chicken breasts need to be cooked before mixing?
Yes, the recipe requires 4 chicken breast halves that are already cooked and diced.
What size baking dish is needed?
A lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many Ritz crackers do I need to crush?
You will need a total of 4 cups of Ritz cracker crumbs.
How is the cracker topping divided?
Use 3 cups of crumbs to fold into the chicken mixture and reserve the remaining 1 cup to sprinkle on top.
What type of cheese is used in this bake?
This recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of grated Velveeta cheese for a smooth, creamy texture.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, while the recipe calls for cream of mushroom, you could use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup as an alternative.
Why does the recipe include eggs?
The 3 beaten eggs act as a binder to help the casserole set and hold its shape.
Do I need to cover the casserole while it bakes?
No, the instructions state to bake it uncovered so the cracker topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
How should I prepare the celery and onion?
The celery should be diced (1 1/2 cups) and the onion should be chopped.
Is there a lot of sodium in this dish?
While specific sodium levels aren't listed, ingredients like Velveeta, canned soup, and Ritz crackers are typically high in salt.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great way to provide the cooked and diced chicken required.
How many calories are in a serving?
This dish contains approximately 437.5 calories per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides about 25g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 18.75g of fat per serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken mixture ahead of time, but it is best to add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it crunchy.
What should I serve with Ritz Cracker Chicken?
It pairs well with steamed vegetables like broccoli, a fresh green salad, or green beans.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this chicken bake?
Yes, you can freeze it. For best results, freeze before baking and add the cracker topping fresh when you are ready to cook.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat portions in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to maintain the topping's texture.
Can I use different crackers?
While Ritz crackers provide a specific buttery flavor, you could substitute with other buttery crackers or saltines.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, its creamy, cheesy flavor profile and crunchy topping make it very kid-friendly.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube, though chicken broth provides the best flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, peas or carrots would make excellent additions to the chicken and cheese mixture.
Does the dish have a specific category?
It is categorized as a casserole, comfort food, and a one-dish meal.
How do I know when it is finished baking?
It is ready when the casserole is heated through and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, cooked and diced chicken thighs can be used and may provide a juicier result.