Save I threw this together on a rainy Wednesday when my sister called asking what to bring to her book club potluck. She wanted something warm, impressive, and easy to reheat. I remembered that viral Marry Me Chicken everyone raved about and thought, why not make it stretch further in casserole form? The buttery cracker topping was a last-minute idea, and it turned out to be the detail that made her friends ask for the recipe twice before she even left.
The first time I served this at a dinner party, my neighbor asked if I catered it. I laughed and told her it was mostly pantry staples and a rotisserie chicken. She looked skeptical until I walked her through it the following week in my kitchen. Watching her face light up when the sauce came together in under ten minutes was worth every second. Now she makes it for her family every other Sunday.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here, it saves time and adds flavor you cant fake with plain poached meat.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a tangy sweetness that cuts through the cream, make sure to drain them well or the sauce gets oily.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down to almost nothing but adds color and a hint of earthiness without any bitterness.
- Yellow onion and garlic: The aromatics that build the base, dont rush them or you lose that sweet depth.
- Heavy cream and chicken broth: Together they create a sauce thats rich but not cloying, you need both for balance.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella melts into silky strands, Parmesan adds that nutty sharpness.
- Cream cheese: This is the secret to a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of chicken.
- Italian herbs and red pepper flakes: Classic seasoning that ties it all together, the pepper flakes are optional but I never skip them.
- Ritz cracker crumbs and butter: The golden, buttery crunch on top is what makes this a casserole worth coming back to.
Instructions
- Prep the oven and dish:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish so nothing sticks later. This step takes ten seconds but saves you scrubbing time.
- Saute the aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion until soft and translucent, about three minutes. Add the garlic and stir for one minute until it smells amazing and just starts to turn golden.
- Wilt the vegetables:
- Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, stirring until the spinach collapses into the pan. It happens fast, maybe two minutes, and suddenly you have room again.
- Melt in the cream cheese:
- Lower the heat and add the cream cheese in chunks, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth base. This is where the sauce starts to feel luxurious.
- Build the sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for two minutes to marry the flavors.
- Add the cheeses:
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan until they melt completely and the sauce turns glossy and creamy. Taste it now and adjust the salt if needed.
- Fold in the chicken:
- Add your cooked chicken and mix everything together until each piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spoon.
- Prepare the topping:
- In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until every crumb is coated. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You want it hot, bubbly around the edges, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let the casserole sit for five minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if you want a pop of color.
Save One Sunday I brought this to a potluck at my cousins house and set it down next to three other casseroles. By the time I looked up from pouring myself a drink, half of it was gone and someone had already put their name on the empty dish with a sticky note asking to take it home. That was the moment I realized this recipe had crossed over from dinner idea to something people actually crave.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, just hold off on adding the cracker topping until right before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you are ready, let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes while the oven preheats, add the buttery crumbs, and bake as directed. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days and reheat gently in the oven or microwave without losing that creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich enough to stand on its own but I love pairing it with something crisp and bright to balance the cream. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted green beans with garlic work perfectly. If you want to make it a full meal, serve it over rice, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that sauce. A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness beautifully.
Variations and Swaps
If you want to lighten it up, swap the heavy cream for half and half, the sauce will be thinner but still delicious. You can also stir in cooked penne or rotini to stretch it further and make it even heartier. For extra vegetables, try adding sauteed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts along with the spinach. If you do not have Ritz crackers, panko mixed with melted butter and a little Parmesan makes a great crunchy topping too.
- Use thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor and moisture.
- Add a handful of fresh basil at the end for a summery twist.
- Make it spicier by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a diced jalapeno with the onion.
Save This is the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special and potlucks feel effortless. I hope it becomes one of those recipes you reach for again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves time while maintaining flavor and tenderness.
- → Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream here?
Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
- → Can I add pasta or rice to this casserole?
Adding cooked pasta or rice makes the dish heartier and enhances texture.
- → What type of cheese is best for the sauce?
Mozzarella and Parmesan provide a creamy, flavorful blend that melts smoothly into the sauce.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly before baking to get a golden, crunchy crust.