There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a casserole, especially when it’s a Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken, a luscious, creamy sauce, and that irresistibly buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing friends at a potluck, or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is pure joy in a baking dish. It’s quick to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and delivers on flavor and comfort with every scoop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s creating the creamy base, infusing flavor, or adding that golden crunch. Gather these staples for a satisfying dish that comes together easily and bakes up into the ultimate comfort meal.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken works equally well and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Provides the rich, savory backbone for your casserole with minimal fuss.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the richness and keeps the casserole from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Sneaks in a mellow hint of garlic to brighten up every bite.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings subtle depth of flavor that melds perfectly with the other components.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little bit sharp, a little bit spicy, this is essential for rounding out the flavors.
- Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve, about 30, crushed): The star ingredient for that iconic buttery, crunchy topping everyone fights for.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Ensures your cracker crumbs go extra crisp and golden as they bake.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts just right over the top, giving you a bubbly finish and that cheesy appeal.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Offers a fresh pop of color and herbaceous lift to each serving.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole gets a head start and bakes evenly, so the topping reaches that gorgeous golden-brown color.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a velvety, smooth mixture. This sauce is what gives your casserole its signature comfort and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Gently fold the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce, making sure each piece gets well coated. Every forkful should deliver both tender chicken and that luscious, savory goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the chicken mixture evenly inside. Use a spatula to make sure it’s smoothed out, which helps it bake evenly and looks more appealing when serving.
Step 5: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. You’ll want every crumb to be coated in butter for that signature golden crunch. This step really brings out the “Ritz” in Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken base, then finish with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and gloriously golden on top.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This patience pays off, making it easier to slice and allowing the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a finishing touch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley over your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole does wonders, adding a fresh visual pop and a gentle herbal aroma. You can also try thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of paprika for a subtle kick and a touch of extra color.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with something green. Serve it with crisp steamed broccoli, a simple arugula salad, or even green beans for a touch of brightness. Warm dinner rolls or fluffy rice are also perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole a fun twist by baking it in individual ramekins for easy portioning (and ultimate crunch). You can even mix in steamed veggies like broccoli or peas to make it a full one-dish meal. For potlucks, serve it in a rustic cast-iron skillet or a trendy enamel baking dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cover tightly to lock in flavor and prevent the cracker topping from becoming too soft.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Once cooled, wrap the entire baking dish tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to three months. Just keep in mind the cracker topping might lose a little crunch but can be revived with a few minutes under the broiler when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the casserole (covered with foil) in a preheated 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot through. For individual servings, the microwave works in a pinch, but try popping them back in the oven for a few minutes at the end to help crisp up that decadent topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
You can certainly substitute other buttery crackers if you like, but nothing quite matches the distinct flavor and texture that Ritz brings to this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. If you’re in a pinch, Club crackers or even saltines can work, though you may miss out on some of that signature richness.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole up to a day in advance (just wait to add the cracker topping until right before baking). Store covered in the refrigerator, then top and bake when you’re ready for dinner.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Stir in a cup or two of steamed broccoli florets or peas when you add the chicken. Not only does this add a pop of color and boost nutrition, but it also turns your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole into a true one-dish meal.
What’s the best way to crush Ritz crackers?
For fast, even crumbs, place the crackers in a zip-top bag and roll with a rolling pin or sturdy glass. You want small bits but not powder — a little texture gives the topping extra appeal on your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a great alternative. It brings the same creamy tang and blends seamlessly, making your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole just as delicious and creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a beloved classic in so many kitchens. It’s easy, deeply comforting, and loaded with flavor and texture in every bite. Give it a try — your next cozy, homestyle dinner is just a casserole dish away!
Print
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and gooey cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers, crushed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the casserole: In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Fold in shredded chicken.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Top and bake: Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the chicken, add cheddar cheese, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Let cool, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Enhance with steamed veggies or extra crackers for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
