Lori'S Chicken Casserole
Lori's Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender cooked chicken baked in a creamy, savory sauce with crispy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines rich flavors with a crunchy topping for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth in a bowl.
- Place the cooked and deboned chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the prepared mixture over the chicken evenly.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and mix them with the melted butter.
- Spread the cracker mixture over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crackers are golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the chicken. If you don't have Ritz crackers, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs can be a great substitute. This recipe can easily be customized by adding vegetables like cooked broccoli or peas for extra nutrition, similar to Broccoli Casserole I.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken casserole is a comforting main dish that pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside Corn Bread Dressing(100 Years Old) for a hearty family dinner. For a delightful twist, consider adding a side of fruit salad to complement the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring the topping stays crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lori'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 845 calories, with 20g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1460mg per serving (63% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use raw chicken breasts, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Bake the casserole for about 50-60 minutes instead of 35-40 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you need a substitute for sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works well and adds a nice tang. You can also use buttermilk or a mixture of cream cheese and milk to achieve a similar consistency and flavor in your casserole.
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).