Delicious Chicken
Creamy and comforting, this baked chicken dish combines tender chopped chicken with creamy soups and crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it offers a rich flavor profile with savory, cheesy notes and a crispy topping that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cooked and chopped chicken with the two cans of cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth. Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and melt the margarine in a skillet or microwave. Brown the crushed crackers in the margarine until golden.
- Spread the browned cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture. If you want a bit more flavor, try adding some garlic powder or onion powder. You can substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs if desired. This dish is similar to Favorite Chicken Casserole, so you might enjoy that as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Delicious Chicken alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice, absorbing the savory flavors beautifully. For a comforting side, consider serving it with a warm bread roll, making it a hearty option for family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, warming at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Chicken contains roughly 578 calories, with 5g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1342mg per serving (58% 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 fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken, but you'll need to cook it first. Boil or bake the chicken until fully cooked, then chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the soups and broth. This will ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful in the final dish.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you need a substitute for cream of chicken soup, you can use homemade cream sauce or a mixture of heavy cream and chicken broth with seasonings. Another option is to use cream of mushroom soup or any other cream soup you prefer, which will add a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and layer the cracker topping, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. This makes it perfect for meal prep or hosting gatherings.
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).