There’s something undeniably comforting about digging your fork into a bubbling, golden-topped Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. Creamy, savory chicken filling, a buttery crisp cracker topping, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—it’s a homespun hug in casserole form. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or just want a hearty meal to warm your weeknight, this dish brings classic flavors together in a way that always earns seconds. There’s a reason this recipe has become a beloved staple in so many kitchens!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this dish has a job to do: adding creaminess, crunch, or a boost of savory flavor. The beauty of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is its simplicity; each ingredient shines, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and delivers tons of flavor, but any baked or poached chicken works beautifully.
- Cream of chicken soup: This classic pantry staple creates the casserole’s luscious, creamy base.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and richness, balancing out the savory notes.
- Garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and depth to the filling—no chopping required!
- Onion powder: A pinch of this gives the casserole that savory, homey taste we all love.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to suit your taste buds.
- Ritz crackers: The star topping—crushed and buttery, they bake up perfectly crisp and golden.
- Melted unsalted butter: Coats the crackers for that signature crunch and rich flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green at the end makes everything pop with freshness.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter—this ensures your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole won’t stick, and helps with easy serving later!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well blended and creamy. This is your casserole’s savory heart, full of tender chicken and rich flavors.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Don’t worry if it looks a little thick—it will loosen as it bakes and meld with the cracker topping.
Step 4: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
Crush your Ritz crackers (about 1 1/2 sleeves, or 45 crackers) either in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or gently by hand. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is coated. This is the magic layer that turns beautifully golden and crisp in the oven!
Step 5: Top and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken filling, making sure to cover every inch for that signature crunch in every bite. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. If you’d like, shower the top with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Then dive in—dinner is served!
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley instantly lifts the dish, but you could also try thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of paprika for color and a little extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to add your own twist—sometimes a handful of shredded cheese on top before baking makes it even more irresistible!
Side Dishes
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is rich and comforting, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or simple roasted veggies. Fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered corn are also classic comforts that round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style dinner, serve your casserole straight from the baking dish at the table. If you want to get a little fancy, spoon it into individual ramekins for personal portions. Leftovers make a delicious sandwich filling—just pile it onto a soft bun with lettuce and tomato!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious (if not more so) the next day!
Freezing
This casserole freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then wrap securely in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze before baking—just add the cracker topping right before it goes in the oven. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until hot throughout. For a crisp topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, though the cracker topping may lose a bit of crunch.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie or baked chicken?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, canned chicken will work. Just be sure to drain it well and give it a quick fluff with a fork before mixing it into the casserole.
What’s the best way to crush Ritz crackers for this casserole?
Place the crackers in a zip-top bag and roll gently with a rolling pin, or use your hands to break them up. You want small, even crumbs, but it’s okay if there are a few bigger pieces—those add texture!
Can I add vegetables to Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Definitely! A layer of steamed broccoli, peas, or even some frozen mixed vegetables tucked under the chicken mixture is a fantastic way to add color and nutrition. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters.
Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
To make a gluten-free Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, simply use gluten-free buttery crackers and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Double-check all labels to be sure!
Can I make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it perfectly crisp.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the answer. It’s a staple in my kitchen for good reason—simple, familiar, and always comforting. Give it a try this week and watch it become a new family favorite!
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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with sour cream and cream of chicken soup, topped with a buttery crushed Ritz crackers crust. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines savory flavors and a crunchy topping for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or baked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 45 crackers), crushed
- 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until well blended to create a creamy and flavorful mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a level layer for even cooking and topping coverage.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crackers are evenly coated. This will create a crispy, golden topping once baked.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling in the baking dish, covering the surface completely.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Add a layer of steamed broccoli or frozen mixed vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrition and color.
- Stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for a cheesier variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheat well, making great next-day lunches.
- For a lower fat option, consider using reduced-fat sour cream and butter substitutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
