🐔 Creamy Chicken Casserole with Buttery Cracker Topping

Comfort food at its best—juicy chicken, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and a crunchy cracker topping. An easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Dietary Tags: Family-Friendly, Comfort Food

📝 Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken

• Cream of chicken soup

• Sour cream

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat oven

   • Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Mix the filling

   • In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Stir until well blended.

3. Assemble the casserole

   • Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared dish.

   • Top with crushed crackers.

   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

4. Bake

   • Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden.

5. Serve & enjoy

   • Let cool slightly before serving.

💡 Notes & Tips

• Chicken tip: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.

• Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or a cheddar blend for a different flavor.

• Lighter version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat soup and cheese to cut calories and W-W points.

📸 Step-by-Step Guide

(Suggested photo spots: chicken mixture combined → casserole assembled → topped with crackers and cheese → baked and golden → served portion)

Pro Tip: For extra crunch, stir a tablespoon of melted butter into the crushed crackers before sprinkling on top.

🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps

Why these ingredients?

• Cream of chicken soup & sour cream: Form a creamy, flavorful sauce.

• Cheddar cheese: Adds richness and that irresistible cheesy pull.

• Buttery crackers: Provide a savory, crispy topping.

Substitutions:

• Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed version.

• Use gluten-free crackers and soup if needed.

🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Flavor Add-Ins:

• Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach for added veggies.

• Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies.

• Great with steamed green beans or a light cucumber salad.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Storage: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Assemble casserole (without crackers), freeze, and bake from frozen—add crackers and cheese in the last 15 minutes.

• Make-Ahead Tip: Mix the chicken filling a day ahead and store covered in the fridge.

🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)

Calories: ~375 kcal | Carbs: 12g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 24g

W-W Points (per serving, based on 6 servings):
➡️ 10 Points (using regular soup, sour cream, cheddar, and Ritz crackers)
➡️ 7 Points if using light sour cream, 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheddar, and a lighter cracker or panko topping.

Note: W-W Points can vary based on ingredient brands and amounts. For accuracy, enter your exact ingredients into the W-W app.

Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Eggs (possible in crackers or soup depending on brand)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes! Plain nonfat Greek yogurt works perfectly and lowers W-W points.

Q: Can this be made ahead?
A: Definitely—assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions.

📝 The Story Behind the Recipe

This chicken casserole is a tried-and-true family favorite. It was originally a potluck staple at family gatherings, but it became a regular on busy weeknights thanks to how easy and adaptable it is. The creamy filling and crunchy topping never fail to please!

🗨️ Let’s Chat!

Did you make this casserole? Any fun add-ins or swaps? Comment below or tag me—I’d love to see your version!