Oh, you’re going to love this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe—it’s one of those comforting, soul-satisfying dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I first made this casserole on a chilly weekend when I wanted something simple but impressive, and it never disappointed. The creamy chicken layered with that buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping? Absolute magic every single time.
What I adore about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together with just a handful of pantry staples, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Plus, the Ritz crackers give such a unique buttery crisp that you don’t get with breadcrumbs, making this casserole a true crowd-pleaser. If you’re hunting for a recipe that’s straightforward yet packed with flavor, you won’t want to miss this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand, saving you a trip to the store.
- Buttery Crunch: The crushed Ritz cracker topping adds irresistible texture and flavor that really sets it apart.
- Versatile Comfort Food: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you want an easy meal that pleases a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when you’re ready—perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient complements the others perfectly, creating that creamy, savory backbone with a crispy, buttery topping that’s just irresistible. Here are the essentials and a few tips to keep in mind while shopping.
- Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time or cook your own for a fresher taste—just be sure it’s fully cooked and moist.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic canned soup adds comforting creaminess—feel free to choose low sodium if you want more control over salt levels.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness; full-fat sour cream will give you the best creamy texture.
- Onion Powder: A subtle depth of flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
- Garlic Powder: It brings warmth without overpowering—perfect for this casserole.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjust these to your taste since everyone’s preferences vary.
- Ritz Crackers: The star topping—crushed just right to give that buttery, golden crunch.
- Butter: Melted butter mixed with the crushed crackers makes the crust extra crispy and flavorful.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe is. You can make it your own by swapping ingredients or adding extras that suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s fun to experiment with flavors or add a little twist, and I encourage you to do the same!
- Make it Spicy: I sometimes add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few shakes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a subtle kick that my family adores.
- Cheesy Twist: Adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the filling or on top before baking gives an extra gooey layer.
- Healthier Option: Swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt and choose a low-fat cream of chicken soup to lighten up the dish without losing creaminess.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or frozen peas to sneak in some veggies.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This little head start helps the casserole cook evenly once assembled. Then, grease your casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or a bit of butter to keep everything from sticking—trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to stir it just until everything’s fully blended and creamy—don’t over-mix or the texture can get a little off. This mixture is the heart of your casserole and packing it full of flavor is key.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite has that rich filling. Next, crush the Ritz crackers—using the sleeve makes this easy to do by hand or with a rolling pin. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top, then drizzle the melted butter all over to help it crisp and brown beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to watch for when the cracker topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges—this signals it’s done. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let everything set and cool just enough to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Use Day-Old Chicken: I find that chicken cooked a day in advance shreds better and holds its texture well in the casserole.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Melting it before drizzling it over the crackers ensures every bite has that irresistible buttery crunch I love.
- Even Cracker Crushing: Try to crush the crackers into roughly even pieces—not too powdery—to get the best texture on the topping.
- Let It Rest: Resist the urge to dig in immediately out of the oven; letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes keeps it from falling apart when serving.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this casserole, I love sprinkling a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes I’ll add thinly sliced green onions, which give a lovely mild bite without overpowering the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. I’ve also served it alongside garlic mashed potatoes and it’s a total crowd-pleaser whenever I do.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to make this casserole in individual ramekins—it’s a nice touch for a holiday dinner or when guests come over. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before adding the crackers to make a cheesy, crunchy crust that wows. Another fun idea is layering sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions inside for an upscale twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, store leftover portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to keep the moisture in and prevent the cracker topping from getting soggy.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! I like to prepare it fully assembled, then cover it tightly with foil and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed. The Ritz cracker topping stays delightfully crunchy when done this way.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend warming leftovers in a 350°F oven to preserve that crispy topping—you can cover the dish loosely with foil for the first bit of heating to prevent burning, then remove foil to crisp the topping toward the end. Microwave reheating tends to make the crackers soggy, so oven is my preferred method.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! You can poach, bake, or grill chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred them for this casserole. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooked and not dry—you want juicy, tender meat for the best results.
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What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade substitute by mixing chicken broth with a bit of flour and butter to create a creamy sauce, or use cream of mushroom soup for a different but tasty flavor twist in the casserole.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker alternative and verify your soup and seasonings are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free-friendly.
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How long does this casserole stay good in the fridge?
Leftovers will keep well for about 3 days when properly stored in an airtight container. Always give it a sniff before eating, and when in doubt, reheat thoroughly or discard.
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Can I add cheese to this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe?
Yes! Adding shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella to the chicken mixture or sprinkled on top before baking adds a rich, melty layer that’s deliciously indulgent.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s just so easy and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding family after a long day or want a simple dish to impress guests, this casserole delivers every single time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—grab those Ritz crackers and get ready for a cozy, tasty meal!
Print
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a creamy, savory dish made with shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers. This comforting casserole is baked to golden perfection and makes a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken (fully cooked and shredded)
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Combine Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the fully cooked and shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and sprinkle them generously over the chicken mixture. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cracker topping to create a crisp, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Adding chopped vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms can add extra nutrition and flavor.
- For a lower sodium version, use reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup and adjust salt accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 452
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 777mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 149mg
