Cream Cheese & Chicken
Cream cheese and chicken combine with creamy soups and a crunchy Ritz topping for a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix softened cream cheese with cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup until well combined.
- Add the chicken tenders to the mixture and stir to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Pour melted butter over the crushed crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some garlic powder or onion powder into the cream cheese mixture. If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs can be a great substitute. To lighten the dish, you could use low-fat cream cheese and soups. Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Cream Cheese & Chicken dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. You could also serve it over rice or pasta for a heartier option. For a fun twist, try serving it with homemade Honey Dijon Chicken for a complementary flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese & Chicken contains roughly 1272 calories, with 20g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1243mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just ensure they are fully thawed and cooked through before adding them to the cream cheese mixture. This will help them blend better with the other ingredients and ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use an equal amount of cream of celery soup or even a homemade white sauce as a substitute. This will keep the creaminess while providing a slightly different flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if coming directly from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).