Warm Chicken Salad Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
A comforting and creamy warm chicken salad casserole featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with celery, cheese, sour cream, and mayo, topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for a delightful crunch. Perfect as a dip, served with veggies, crackers, or toasted bread, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for gatherings or a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup small-diced celery
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
Topping
- 1/2 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 14 crackers)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your dish is assembled.
- Mix the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, small-diced celery, onion powder, salt, black pepper, sour cream, mayonnaise, sliced almonds, and shredded cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a creamy mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixed chicken salad into an 8×8 inch baking dish. Spread it flat with a spatula so that it cooks evenly and the top is smooth.
- Prepare the Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers until they form fine crumbs, either using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Spread the cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture. Then, melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it evenly over the cracker crumbs to help them brown and crisp during baking.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden and crisp.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve warm as a dip with extra Ritz crackers or fresh veggies. It can also be enjoyed on toasted bread or simply on its own like a casserole.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for variation.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers.
- This dish is best enjoyed warm fresh from the oven but can be refrigerated and reheated for leftovers.
