If you crave the sort of hearty, home-cooked dishes that instantly transport you back to cozy family gatherings, then Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is about to become your new best friend at dinnertime. This creamy, golden-topped casserole transforms simple pantry staples and cooked chicken into a bubbling, crowd-pleasing classic that’s as irresistible as it is easy to make. Each bite is a comforting blend of tender chicken, decadent sauce, melty cheese, and a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping — it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and is guaranteed to spark requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this casserole plays a vital role, contributing to the rich flavor, luscious texture, and that signature golden crunch on top. Gather these essentials for a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite.
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups shredded): Rotisserie chicken works like magic here for both convenience and flavor, but any pre-cooked chicken will do.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This brings creamy depth and a savory backbone to the sauce.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tanginess and creaminess — you can swap for Greek yogurt if you’d like a lighter touch.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle hint of pungency that wakes up the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Balances all the richness with just a slight bite.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melt-in-your-mouth gooey goodness, both inside and on top of your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
- Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): The star topping — buttery, crunchy, and the namesake of this casserole’s magic.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Ensures those crackers turn crisp and golden as they bake.
- Chopped Parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkled at serving for a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and thoroughly blended. You’ll already notice just how tempting the aroma is — it’s hard not to sneak a taste!
Step 2: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (just a light mist or rub of butter will do). Spread your creamy chicken mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top so it’s ready for that famous cracker topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
Now for the part that takes Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole over the top! In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, stirring until all the crumbs are gloriously coated. This ensures your top layer will bake up gloriously golden and crisp.
Step 4: Top and Add More Cheese
Sprinkle your buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Then scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese across the top for an irresistibly cheesy crust as the casserole bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Slide your assembled casserole onto the center rack of your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be hot and bubbly, with a cracker topping that’s crisp and nicely browned.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole a few minutes to settle — this makes serving easier and helps the flavors meld. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
Chopped parsley adds a lovely dash of green and a clean, herby note. For a touch of luxury, you could also top with thinly sliced green onions or even a scattering of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.
Side Dishes
This classic main course pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try steamed green beans, a fresh garden salad, roasted broccoli, or even simple buttered noodles to round out the meal. The creamy richness of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole shines when balanced with crisp, fresh vegetables or a lightly dressed salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Portion the casserole into small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for an individualized touch at a dinner party, or tuck the creamy filling into baked puff pastry cups for an appetizer-style twist. For family-style, scoop onto a big platter and garnish with extra parsley or chives for a cozy, abundant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This casserole is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole but skip the cracker topping (add this just before baking so it stays crisp). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding the cracker topping just prior to baking.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For individual portions, microwaving works fine but may soften the cracker topping a bit. For maximum crunch, pop leftovers in the oven or toaster oven uncovered for a few minutes at the end.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey after a holiday feast, making Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole just as delicious and satisfying.
Is there a gluten-free substitute for Ritz crackers?
You can swap in your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers or gluten-free panko for a similar golden, crunchy topping. Just check the labels to ensure they’re suitable for your dietary needs.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Stir in a cup or two of thawed frozen mixed veggies or cooked broccoli right into the chicken mixture before baking. It turns Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole into a complete one-dish meal.
What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
Try swapping with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a subtle flavor twist. You can also make a homemade white sauce with chicken broth and milk if you’d rather avoid canned soups.
How can I make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute nonfat Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese. You can also use less butter in the cracker topping, though it may not brown quite as much.
Final Thoughts
This warm, homey Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole will win hearts from the very first bite with its creamy textures and buttery crunch. If you’re in need of a family favorite that’s quick to assemble and sure to please, give this beloved dish a try — and share the comfort with those you love most!
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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 comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Cracker Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Prepare Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Spread over the chicken mixture.
- Bake: Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- You can use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
- Enhance the dish by adding frozen mixed vegetables or cooked broccoli to make it a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
