If you’re looking for a comforting and downright delicious meal that comes together with ease, the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, cheesy base and a perfectly crunchy Ritz cracker topping, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It effortlessly brings family and friends to the table, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings when you want something homemade but fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the magic behind this dish’s incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy soups that build the sauce to the buttery crackers that deliver that irresistible crunch.
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken: The hearty base providing protein and a satisfying bite.
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup: Adds rich creaminess and depth to the casserole.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tangy smoothness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the mix so it’s not too thick and adds subtle savory notes.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Infuses cheesy goodness throughout, with extra melted cheese on top.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavor, layering complexity effortlessly.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or thyme: A touch of green herbaceousness to brighten each bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the casserole.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, savory heat for depth.
- 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 36 crackers): The star of the topping, delivering buttery, crisp texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the cracker topping and ensures it crisps to golden perfection.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for everything that follows.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the luscious sauce that holds your casserole together, making every bite incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Season and Add Cheese
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley or thyme, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. These seasonings elevate the dish with subtle layers of flavor, while the cheese melts into the base, adding richness and a lovely gooey texture.
Step 4: Fold in the Chicken
Gently fold in your cooked shredded chicken until every piece is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish to form the hearty main layer of your casserole.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until the cracker crumbs are evenly moistened with butter, which will help create that perfectly crisp, golden-brown top once baked.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling, making sure to cover the surface completely. Then, pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbly around the edges and the Ritz topping is golden and crisp.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set nicely so it’s easier to scoop and serve, ensuring those layers stay intact instead of falling apart.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a few thin slices of green onion on top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A little extra grated cheddar melted on right before serving can add some ooey-gooey appeal, too!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or even roasted vegetables. These add a balance of freshness and crunch to complement the creamy chicken bake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of the casserole in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This not only looks charming but keeps the crispy topping intact and makes for easy serving at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole will keep its flavor wonderfully, though the topping might lose a bit of its initial crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. To revive the crispy topping, place it uncovered on a baking sheet rather than in the microwave, which can make the crackers soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Just cook and shred your chicken beforehand. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly too, making it convenient and flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap Ritz crackers for a gluten-free buttery cracker alternative to keep that signature crunch without gluten. Double-check the broth and soup labels for gluten content as well.
Can I use other cheeses in the casserole?
While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor and melt factor.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese diluted with a little milk, though the texture and tanginess will vary slightly.
How spicy is the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe?
This dish is mild and family-friendly, making it suitable for all palates. If you want a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the mix.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly a gem, combining simplicity with crowd-pleasing flavors that feel both nostalgic and fresh. Don’t hesitate to try it yourself — whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, it’s sure to be a standout favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked dish featuring shredded chicken coated in a creamy cheese and soup mixture, topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines classic flavors with a satisfyingly crunchy topping and comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 36 crackers)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the casserole base.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley or thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined to infuse flavor.
- Add Chicken: Fold the cooked shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated, then spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted unsalted butter, and the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cracker crumbs are evenly moistened with butter for a crisp topping.
- Top Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, fully covering the surface to create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly along the edges and the Ritz cracker topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, allowing it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the creamy mixture.
- Can substitute parsley with dried thyme or Italian seasoning based on preference.
- If desired, substitute cheddar cheese with a sharp white cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
