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Paula Deen's Amazing Chicken Casserole

A Southern comfort food classic featuring tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce topped with buttery, golden Ritz crackers.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)
  • 10.75 oz cream of chicken soup 1 can
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups buttery round crackers like Ritz, crushed
  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds optional

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  3. Add cooked chicken to the sauce mixture and fold together until all chicken is thoroughly coated.
  4. Spread chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, reaching into corners and creating a level surface.
  5. In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter and poppy seeds if using. Toss with a fork until all crumbs are coated with butter.
  6. Sprinkle buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface without pressing down.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until filling is bubbling around the edges and cracker topping is deep golden brown. If crackers brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat covered with foil in 325°F oven for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions 2-3 minutes. Cracker topping softens when stored but flavor remains excellent. Freezing: Freeze assembled casserole before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes. Variations: Add frozen peas and carrots, shredded cheese, or sautéed mushrooms to filling. Substitute cream of mushroom soup or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Try different crackers like Club crackers or Cheez-Its for the topping.