If you’ve never tried the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe, get ready to have your comfort food game elevated to a whole new level. This delightful casserole brings together tender, shredded chicken, creamy soup and sour cream, and the unmistakable buttery crunch of crushed Ritz crackers on top. It’s a simple yet soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something cozy and delicious. The best part? It’s easy to make but feels like a special treat every time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is a breeze, and each component plays a crucial role in creating that luscious texture and rich flavor combination. From creamy to crunchy, these ingredients work in harmony to deliver a casserole you’ll want to make again and again.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base that makes this dish satisfying and filling.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy warmth and depth, acting as the perfect binder for the casserole.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that lightens and enriches the texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory punch without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Subtle sweetness and depth that enhances every bite.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers: Crushed and mixed with butter, they crown the casserole with golden, buttery crunch.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Binds the crackers and adds rich, velvety flavor to the topping.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A fresh, colorful touch that brightens the presentation.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), because a hot oven sets the stage for a beautifully bubbly casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that’s bursting with savory flavor—this filling will be the heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture Evenly
Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This ensures every spoonful has the perfect balance of chicken and creamy goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
Grab your Ritz crackers and crush them—don’t worry about getting them ground to dust, a little chunkiness adds texture. Mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is coated in that golden richness.
Step 5: Top the Casserole
Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling. This step sets you up for that irresistible, crisp topping that makes this casserole stand out from the crowd.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re waiting for that bubbly, golden-brown top — a sight that promises deep flavor and delightful crunch.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe rest for about 5 minutes to settle. Then sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you like, adding a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness before serving hot.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley adds just the right touch of color and a mild herbal note that complements the rich, buttery flavors of the casserole perfectly. Feel free to experiment with chives or a sprinkling of paprika for a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully comforting on its own but pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables. These help balance the creamy, crunchy textures with refreshing brightness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in ramekins or mini casserole dishes. You can also layer the filling and topping in clear glass dishes so everyone can admire the beautiful layers before digging in—it’s as pretty as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it cold ensures the creamy flavors stay fresh and safe to enjoy again.
Freezing
To save for later, freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, wrapping it tightly with foil, and placing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through and the crunchy topping is refreshed. Microwaving works in a pinch but may soften the crust, so the oven is the way to go for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked shredded chicken?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken handy, you can poach or roast some chicken breasts, then shred them before mixing into your casserole. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before incorporating it.
Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer to avoid canned soup, try making a simple homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth seasoned lightly to mimic that creamy base. It takes a few extra minutes but adds a homemade touch.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in finely chopped cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms to add more texture and nutrition to the dish. Just make sure any added veggies are cooked beforehand to avoid watery casserole.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, buttery breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers like saltines make good alternatives. The key is to keep that crispy, buttery topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional Ritz crackers contain gluten, so to make a gluten-free version, choose a gluten-free buttery cracker or breadcrumb substitute. Double check your soup ingredients as well to ensure they are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big, warm hug — perfect for bringing comfort, flavor, and ease into your kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, you’re going to love how simple ingredients come together to create a taste that feels much fancier than the effort involved. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become one of your new favorites in no time!
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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole features shredded chicken in a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers baked to a golden perfection. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together quickly and bakes in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly distribute the chicken mixture in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even bake.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and mix them thoroughly with the melted butter until all dry crumbs are coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Add Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture layer, ensuring full coverage for an even crisp topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for different flavor profiles.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Use fresh cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Ensure the Ritz crackers are crushed finely for an even crispy topping layer.
