Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole with Crackers

If you’re craving a dish that is the perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy, and delightfully crunchy, then you absolutely need to try this Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole with Crackers. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into an irresistible comfort food experience. Each bite offers you that irresistible tang from the sour cream, the rich melty cheddar cheese, and the best part – a golden, buttery cracker topping that adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of savory goodness. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners with family and friends.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays its part: the sour cream lends creaminess and a subtle tang, cheddar cheese provides sharpness and gooey richness, while the crushed crackers take the topping to golden, buttery perfection.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that cooks evenly and stays tender.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds creamy tang and helps keep the chicken moist.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty gooeyness that’s utterly irresistible.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances depth and subtle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky note and beautiful color.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just a hint of heat to the savory mix.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds an extra layer of sharp, nutty flavor for topping.
• 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz): Creates the signature crunchy, buttery crust you’ll love.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbal finish to brighten the rich flavors.
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil: For greasing the baking dish and preventing sticking.

How to Make Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole with Crackers

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and helps the crackers crisp up beautifully during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture is the heart of the casserole, blending creamy tang with cheese and spices that will soak into the chicken, creating layers of irresistible taste.

Step 3: Coat Each Chicken Breast

Spread the sour cream and cheese mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy here: the thick coating is what gives you that luscious, cheesy layer that pairs perfectly with the crispy cracker topping.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken and Add Topping

Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the chicken – this is what will give you that signature crispy, golden crust that makes Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole with Crackers truly special.

Step 5: Bake Covered, Then Uncover

Cover the baking dish with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cracker topping is perfectly golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and herbal freshness. Let it rest a few minutes – the cheese will settle, and the flavors will mingle, making it even more mouthwatering.

How to Serve Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole with Crackers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a vibrant green contrast and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving can brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad to balance out the creamy chicken. For heartier options, buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are ideal for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, communal meal, or plate individual servings with a colorful drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of sour cream on top. Adding a side of pickled veggies can also add an unexpected but delicious tangy crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole with Crackers keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole, either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow baking instructions. For leftovers, cool completely and freeze in portions for easy future meals.

Reheating

To reheat, bake leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave for convenience but know the topping might lose some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a perfect tangy melt, you can try mozzarella for stretchiness or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor profile. Just make sure to keep the overall quantity the same for balance.

What if I don’t have buttery crackers like Ritz?

No worries! You can substitute with crushed saltine crackers or even panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter added to mimic the richness and crunch of buttery crackers.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses crackers which generally have gluten, but you can switch to gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish fully gluten-free without compromising texture.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sour cream mixture or sprinkle a little hot sauce on the chicken before baking. That subtle kick pairs so well with the creamy cheese and tangy sour cream.

Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would make this dish even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the thighs are cooked through but not dried out.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that feels like a home-cooked hug, packed with layers of cheesy, creamy, and crunchy goodness, then this Cheesy Sour Cream Chicken Casserole with Crackers is calling your name. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests, a true winner every time. Give it a whirl and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!

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