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A close-up view of freshly baked 5-Ingredient Casserole ingredients including shredded chicken, cream sauce, and yellow cheddar.

5-Ingredient Casserole: The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Bake

This easy 5-Ingredient Casserole features tender shredded chicken in a rich, velvety cream sauce, blanketed by a thick layer of gooey cheddar cheese, and generously topped with a crispy, golden-brown toasted buttery cracker crust.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups shredded chicken breast Cooked (450g). Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz (298g) can.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Full fat (120g).
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (3g).
  • 2 cups yellow cheddar cheese Freshly grated (225g).
  • 1 sleeve buttery round crackers Crushed (about 1.5 cups / 150g). Ritz style.
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter Melted (56g).
  • 1 tbsp dried green parsley (4g) for garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 Rustic White Rectangular Ceramic Baking Dish 9x13-inch (23x33cm) size.
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For mixing the chicken base.
  • 1 Box Grater For freshly shredding the cheddar cheese.

Method
 

Preparation and Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your rustic white rectangular ceramic baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken breast, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and black pepper. Stir until the chicken is coated in the velvety cream sauce.
  3. Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. Sprinkle the freshly grated yellow cheddar cheese in a thick, even layer directly over the chicken base.
  5. In a medium bowl, toss the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this crumb mixture generously over the cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake on the center rack for 20-25 minutes until bubbling slightly at the edges and the cracker crust is a crispy, golden-brown.
  7. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with scattered flecks of dried green parsley before serving.

Notes

Shred the Cheese Yourself: Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in powders. Grating your own ensures a perfectly melted cheese layer.
Crush Coarsely: Leave the cracker pieces slightly chunky for the best crispy texture.