Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here is why this summer camp chicken will become a favorite.
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Only 5 ingredients. Simple and flavorful.
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No pre-cooking. Everything goes into the dish raw.
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One dish. Minimal cleanup.
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Creamy and crunchy. The perfect texture combination.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves creamy chicken.
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Budget-friendly. Chicken and crackers are inexpensive.
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Retro charm. A classic from the 1960s.
Ingredients
Servings: 4 to 6
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1 1/2 to 2 pounds raw chicken tenderloins
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1 (10 1/2-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
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1 cup sour cream
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1 sleeve buttery round crackers, crushed
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1/2 cup melted butter
Ingredient Notes
Chicken tenderloins: Use raw chicken tenderloins. They cook quickly and stay tender. Chicken breasts can be substituted but may need a longer cook time.
Cream of chicken soup: Use condensed cream of chicken soup. Do not add water.
Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess. Full-fat sour cream works best.
Buttery round crackers: Ritz crackers are the classic choice. Crush them into coarse crumbs.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the cracker topping crisp.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter or grease a 9×13-inch glass casserole dish.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Arrange the raw chicken tenderloins in an even layer in the prepared casserole dish.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the crushed crackers all over the top. Drizzle the melted butter evenly across the cracker layer.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. The chicken is ready when it is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can settle. Spoon the chicken and sauce onto plates.
How to Serve Summer Camp Chicken
This creamy, crunchy chicken is delicious on its own, but the right sides make it a complete meal.
Over Rice: White rice or jasmine rice absorbs the sauce.
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
With a Green Salad: A simple salad cuts through the richness.
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
Variations & Tips
Make It with Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Increase the bake time.
Make It with Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs.
Make It with Different Crackers: Use saltines or buttery crackers.
Make It with Parmesan: Add Parmesan cheese to the cracker topping.
Make It with Herbs: Add thyme or parsley to the sauce.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes.
Make It with Bacon: Add crumbled bacon.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers and soup.
Make It in a Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Do not add water to the soup. The condensed soup is used as is.
Crush the crackers into coarse crumbs. This creates the best texture.
Do not overbake. The chicken should be cooked through but not dry.
Let the casserole rest before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Yes. Pork chops or turkey can be used.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes. Cream of mushroom or celery soup can be used.
Can I use a different cracker?
Yes. Saltines or panko can be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why is my topping not crispy?
The crackers were not crushed finely enough, or the butter was not evenly distributed.
Can I add more cheese?
Yes. Add shredded cheddar to the topping.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Add sautéed mushrooms or onions.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes. Any oven-safe dish works.
The 1960s Appeal
There is a reason recipes from the 1960s are making a comeback. They are simple. They are affordable. They are made with ingredients that most people already have in their pantry. This summer camp chicken is a perfect example.
Cream of chicken soup and sour cream were staples in many 1960s kitchens. They were used to create quick, flavorful meals with almost no effort. This chicken is a testament to that era. It is creamy. It is crunchy. It is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you are eating at summer camp.
Keep chicken in your freezer. Keep soup and sour cream in your pantry and fridge. Keep crackers and butter in your kitchen. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Yield: 4 to 6 servings