Description
A creamy, cheesy casserole featuring shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and green onions, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 sleeves crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Gently fold the shredded cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions into the creamy mixture until evenly combined.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish, making sure it’s level.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, mixing until all crumbs are coated.
- Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken mixture in the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Bake until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes, which helps it set and enhances flavor.
- Serve: Serve warm. Optionally garnish with extra sliced green onions or herbs for added freshness.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken breast ensures the casserole is ready quickly; rotisserie chicken works well.
- The cracker topping adds a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy filling.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- If preferred, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a mild kick.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, baked chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, Ritz cracker topping
