There is nothing quite like the comforting warmth of my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe to make any mealtime feel special. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, buttery crust made from crushed Ritz crackers. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough to share with family and friends. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites for cozy dinners or even potluck gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully simple, relying on staple ingredients that add layers of flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible crunch on top. Each component plays a crucial role, lending the casserole its perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Chicken breasts: Cooked and chopped for tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color and a healthy crunch with just the right amount of tenderness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that ties everything together with rich, savory flavor.
- Sour cream: Infuses extra creaminess and a subtle tang to brighten the dish.
- Milk: Lightens the sauce just enough for smooth, luxurious coverage.
- Garlic powder: Adds warm, aromatic notes enhancing the overall taste.
- Onion powder: Brings mild sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Crushed Ritz crackers: Creates a buttery, crispy topping that seals the deal with delightful texture.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cooking your chicken breasts thoroughly, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures the chicken is tender and easy to eat in every forkful.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam the fresh broccoli florets just until they are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite to contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce and soft chicken.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is the perfect size to hold all the ingredients comfortably, allowing everything to bake evenly.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. This smooth mixture will bring the richness and creaminess that makes this casserole so irresistible.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. These seasonings add layers of flavor, transforming simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Layer the steamed broccoli and chopped chicken evenly in the greased baking dish. This layering helps distribute flavors and textures through every portion.
Step 7: Add the Sauce
Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and broccoli layers, making sure everything is coated well to keep the casserole luscious and moist.
Step 8: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the top. The cheeses will melt into a gooey, flavorful blanket that complements the crispy topping.
Step 9: Add the Crunchy Ritz Cracker Topping
Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the cheese layer. This crunchy, buttery topping will bake to a golden brown, adding the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake your casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, and you see bubbling sauce around the edges. This signals that all the flavors have melded perfectly together.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of fresh color and a mild, oniony bite that brightens the rich casserole without overwhelming it.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even a light tomato salad to balance the creamy richness with fresh, crunchy textures and refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, or bring it to the table family-style in the baking dish for cozy, comforting vibes. You can also sprinkle some extra crushed Ritz crackers on top right before serving for an unforgettable crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly, the casserole will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator while maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe container and wrapping it tightly. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake following the original instructions, adding extra baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the topping crisp. Microwaving works too, though the crust may lose its crunch. Adding a few extra minutes in the oven after microwaving can bring that crunch back perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works fine, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture making the casserole soggy.
Is it possible to substitute the chicken breast?
Yes, cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or even leftover roast chicken can be fantastic substitutes and save time without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for that same irresistible topping.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole is mild and comforting, perfect for all ages. You can add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes, this casserole is great for meal prep. Assemble it fully, freeze before baking, and enjoy a homemade meal whenever you need one by baking it straight from the freezer with some extra time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that is both comforting and impressive, give the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe a try. It is the perfect combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a crunchy, buttery topping that will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Prepare to get warm smiles and second helping requests every time!
Print
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Cheddar and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for a hearty family meal. Tender chicken and fresh broccoli are enveloped in a creamy sauce made with sour cream and cream of chicken soup, then topped with shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and crunchy crushed Ritz crackers. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying bake.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the chicken breasts completely by your preferred method and chop them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are tender and ready for the bake.
- Steam the Broccoli: Steam the fresh broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. This helps retain their bright color and slight crunch.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Assemble the Bake: In the prepared baking dish, layer the steamed broccoli evenly, followed by the chopped chicken pieces, creating a uniform base.
- Pour the Sauce: Evenly pour the creamy sauce over the layered broccoli and chicken, ensuring good coverage over all the ingredients.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce layer evenly for a rich and flavorful topping.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers finely and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer. This adds a delightful crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the casserole is golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s fully heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Steaming broccoli prevents it from overcooking during the bake and keeps it vibrant.
- If you want a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- The dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or omit the cracker topping.
