Your search for a dish that is quick and easy to make, and will please every member of your family, ends with the Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers. This recipe takes the traditional and well loved chicken casserole and makes it more interesting. The ingredients you will require are usually found in most kitchen shelves and refrigerators. This makes it convenient and fun to put together.
Simple Ingredients
For the casserole you will need a can of cream of chicken soup and store bought rotisserie chicken or left over grilled chicken. You will also need a cup of cream cheese, half a cup of finely chopped green onions, and of course, two sleeves of Ritz crackers. And do not forget the salted butter that will make the dish absolutely delicious and mouthwatering. The chicken should be deboned and shredded.
Ritz crackers are available in a wide range of flavors such as garlic butter and bacon. While most people like to use the Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers for this recipe, you can select one that suits your preferences. To make the dish healthier, you could opt for the whole wheat, low sodium or low fat crackers.
Easy to Make
In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, soup and green onions. Next, add the shredded chicken and stir well. Prepare a baking dish by spraying it with a non stick cooking spray. Put in the chicken mix, and spread evenly. In the same bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Finally, generously sprinkle the cracker mix over the chicken. Some cooks also like to us the cracker mix as a base and a topping. If this is the case, you should increase the amount of Ritz crackers you use. Bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes.
If you run out of chicken, you can substitute with ham or turkey. This is an easy recipe to make with leftovers, and will make dinnertime more appealing. Adding cooked bacon to the original recipe for the chicken casserole will enhance its flavor.
Delicious and Nutritious
The casserole is best served with a salad or steamed vegetables such as broccoli. You could make the dish more nutritious and wholesome by adding a cup of steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans and carrots. Finely chopped cilantro can be used for garnishing the casserole. Some home cooks also like to stir fry mushrooms and add them to the chicken mix.