Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness? This Cheesy Chicken Cracker Casserole hits all the right notes. With tender shredded chicken, a creamy triple-cheese base, and a golden buttery cracker topping, it’s everything you crave in a cozy baked dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy & Comforting: Melty cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan make this casserole rich and irresistible.
- Quick to Assemble: Just mix, top, and bake, minimal effort with maximum reward.
- Perfect for Leftover Chicken: A delicious way to use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken.
- Golden Cracker Topping: Buttery and crunchy, it’s the finishing touch everyone fights over.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will come back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, all three cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Spread in Dish: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with the melted butter.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken filling. Bake for 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let sit for 5 minutes after baking. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: A huge time saver and adds flavor.
- Melt Butter Fully: Ensures the cracker topping bakes evenly and gets crispy.
- Taste Before Baking: Adjust seasoning in the chicken mixture to your liking.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and adds a richer texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Low-Carb: Swap crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some cooked broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mix.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF crackers and soup alternatives.
Storage & Reheating
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tips
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Also perfect on its own for a comforting dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Can I use light sour cream or mayo?
Absolutely, but it may slightly change the richness of the dish.
What crackers work best?
Buttery crackers like Ritz are classic, but any similar variety will do.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Cracker Casserole is the ultimate cozy bake for busy weeknights or when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with that perfect buttery crunch, it’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again. Try it out and don’t forget to share your twist on it!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Cracker Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: meals
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole topped with golden buttery crackers, comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (about 1 sleeve)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. In another bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
5. Bake for 40 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Let it rest for 5 minutes and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Gluten-free variation: use GF crackers and soup substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 692
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 974mg
- Fat: 58g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 31g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 151mg
