Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 6 hrs

Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breasts
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well and set aside.
2. In another small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir to coat the crackers in butter.
3. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Spread the cream of soup mixture evenly over the top of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker mixture over the cream of soup mixture. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the crackers.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Ritz Chicken

To ensure your Crockpot Ritz Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Chicken Placement: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the crockpot, as it can lead to unevenly cooked chicken.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking chicken in the slow cooker can result in dry, stringy meat. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Ritz Cracker Topping: For the crispiest Ritz cracker topping, add it during the last hour of cooking or even just before serving. This prevents the crackers from becoming soggy.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors. Consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder to the chicken or using a different type of cream soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery. You can also add vegetables like sliced mushrooms or diced onions to the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your Crockpot Ritz Chicken with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, green beans, or a fresh salad. The creamy sauce is delicious spooned over the sides.

Making It Your Own: Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about this Crockpot Ritz Chicken recipe is how easy it is to customize to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cheese Lover’s Delight: Add a layer of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) over the chicken before adding the Ritz cracker topping. This will create a gooey, cheesy layer that’s simply irresistible.
• Spice It Up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream of soup mixture or sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper over the chicken before cooking.
• Vegetable Boost: Add a layer of sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or chopped bell peppers to the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the chicken. This will add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
• Healthier Option: Use low-fat sour cream and cream of chicken soup to reduce the fat content of the recipe. You can also use whole wheat Ritz crackers for added fiber.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the cream of soup mixture for a more aromatic and flavorful dish.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Crockpot Ritz Chicken

To create a complete and satisfying meal, consider these delicious side dish pairings for your Crockpot Ritz Chicken:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to chicken dishes. The richness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce of the Ritz Chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf is another great option. Consider adding vegetables or herbs to the pilaf for extra flavor and texture.
• Green Beans: Steamed or roasted green beans are a healthy and simple side dish that complements the richness of the chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus is a sophisticated and flavorful side dish that’s easy to prepare.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance out the richness of the chicken.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the Crockpot Ritz Chicken.

Slow Cooker Success: Essential Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to slow cooking, here are a few essential tips to ensure your success:

• Don’t Lift the Lid: Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker during cooking, as this releases heat and can prolong the cooking time.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, reduce the cooking time.
• Use a Liner: Consider using a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the slow cooker, as this can cause the food to cook unevenly.
• Safety First: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your slow cooker.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 1211mg | Potassium: 756mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 933IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is an approximation.

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