Marry Me Chicken Casserole

I threw this together on a Wednesday night when my sister called to say she was bringing her new boyfriend over for dinner. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, a jar of sun-dried tomatoes I kept meaning to use, and a sleeve of Ritz crackers from my nephew's lunchbox stash. What came out of the oven that night made her boyfriend ask for the recipe before dessert, and now she jokes that this casserole did half the work when he proposed six months later.

The first time I brought this to a potluck, I watched my neighbor scrape the dish clean and then text me from across the room asking if there was more in my car. There wasn't, but I did write down the recipe on a napkin for her right there. Since then, it's become my go-to whenever I need to feed a crowd or just want my family to stop scrolling their phones and actually talk over dinner.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is my weeknight hero here, it saves so much time and keeps everything juicy without any guesswork.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a sweet, tangy punch that makes the whole dish feel a little fancy, just make sure to drain them well or the sauce gets oily.
• Baby spinach: It wilts down to almost nothing but adds color and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness.
• Yellow onion and garlic: The foundation of flavor, I learned to cook the onion until it smells sweet before adding garlic so it doesn't burn.
• Heavy cream and chicken broth: Together they create a sauce that clings to every bite, you can use half-and-half if you want it lighter but I rarely do.
• Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella melts into silky strings and Parmesan adds that nutty, salty depth I crave.
• Cream cheese: This is the secret to a sauce that stays creamy and never breaks, let it soften on the counter while you prep everything else.
• Italian herbs and red pepper flakes: A little warmth and herbiness that reminds me of cozy Italian dinners, adjust the flakes based on who's eating.
• Ritz cracker crumbs and butter: The golden, buttery topping is what makes people come back for more, I crush them by hand in a bag because it's oddly satisfying.

Instructions

Prep Your Oven and Dish:

Preheat to 375°F and grease your baking dish so nothing sticks. I use a little butter or nonstick spray and make sure to get the corners.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet and cook the onion until it turns soft and golden, then toss in the garlic and let it bloom for just a minute. The kitchen will smell amazing, that's your cue to keep going.

Wilt the Greens and Tomatoes:

Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, stirring until the spinach collapses into the pan. It happens fast, don't walk away or it'll stick.

Melt in the Cream Cheese:

Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts into a smooth base. If it clumps, just keep stirring gently and it'll come together.

Build the Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then sprinkle in your herbs, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, just enough to marry the flavors.

Add the Cheese:

Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan, watching as the sauce turns glossy and clings to your spoon. This is the moment I always taste it and add a pinch more salt if needed.

Fold in the Chicken:

Add your cooked chicken and toss it gently so every piece gets coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Then pull the skillet off the heat.

Assemble the Casserole:

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Top with Buttery Crumbs:

Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until every crumb glistens, then sprinkle it all over the casserole. Don't skip this step, it's the crown.

Bake Until Golden:

Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges bubble and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Your house will smell like a hug.

Rest and Garnish:

Let it sit for 5 minutes so the sauce settles, then scatter fresh parsley over the top if you have it.

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One Sunday, I made this for my mom after she had surgery and couldn't stand at the stove. She ate two helpings from her recliner and said it tasted like being taken care of. That's when I realized some recipes aren't just about feeding people, they're about wrapping them in warmth when they need it most.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble the whole casserole up to a day ahead, just cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge. When you're ready, let it sit on the counter for 20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. I do this every time I host book club and it's the reason I can actually enjoy the conversation instead of panicking in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

This pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil, or garlic bread if you want to go all in on comfort. I've also served it alongside roasted green beans and a chilled glass of Chardonnay, which my friends now request by name. Leftovers reheat like a dream, sometimes I think they taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to settle.

Customization Ideas

If you want to stretch it further, stir in cooked penne or rice before baking and add a little extra broth to keep it creamy. I've also swapped the spinach for kale when that's what I had on hand, and it worked perfectly. Some folks in my family can't handle spice, so I leave out the red pepper flakes and let people add hot sauce at the table.

• Try mixing in artichoke hearts for a tangy twist that feels a little more indulgent.
• Swap mozzarella for Gruyere if you want a nuttier, more grown-up flavor.
• Top with panko instead of Ritz for a lighter, crispier crust that's just as satisfying.

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This casserole has a way of turning a regular Tuesday into something worth gathering around the table for. I hope it brings as much comfort and joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that works perfectly for this dish, saving preparation time without compromising flavor.

→ What can I substitute for Ritz cracker crumbs?

Breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers can be used as an alternative for the crunchy topping if Ritz crackers aren’t available.

→ How can I make the casserole lighter?

Replacing heavy cream with half-and-half reduces the richness while maintaining a creamy texture.

→ Is it possible to add pasta or rice to this dish?

Yes, cooked pasta or rice can be stirred in for added heartiness and texture variation.

→ Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely, the casserole can be assembled in advance, refrigerated, and baked just before serving for convenience.