Simple & Savory Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe

My mom’s legendary chicken casserole with ritz crackers always sparks excitement around our dinner table.

Crispy golden cracker crumbs create a magical layer of crunch that makes everyone lean in closer.

Comfort meets creativity in this nostalgic dish that feels like a warm hug.

Simple ingredients dance together, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and fond memories.

Kitchen magic happens when you blend tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery cracker topping.

Rich flavors meld perfectly, turning an ordinary weeknight into something special.

Hungry friends will beg you to share this delightful recipe after just one bite.

Why Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers Is So Crunchy And Creamy

• Whip Up Comfort in Minutes: This chicken casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy Ritz cracker topping creates a universally loved dish that will make everyone at the dinner table happy.
• Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Results: Using everyday pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Ritz crackers transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels like a culinary masterpiece.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Rescue: With just 30 minutes from prep to table, this casserole saves the day when you're short on time but still want a satisfying, home-cooked dinner that tastes like it took all day to prepare.

What You’ll Need For Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides the hearty base of the casserole, best when cooked and pulled apart for maximum texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Smooth ingredients that create a rich, cohesive filling with a tangy background flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, melty goodness and helps bind the casserole together.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Ritz Crackers, Butter: Crispy, buttery topping that adds a golden crunch to the casserole surface.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for a pop of color and subtle freshness when garnishing.

Steps To Make Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until it’s completely combined and looks like a dreamy, cheesy blend.

Step 3: Spread The Comfort

Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure every corner gets some love.

Step 4: Craft The Crispy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this golden, buttery goodness all over the chicken mixture, creating a delightful crunchy layer.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let it bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve hot and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!

Tips For Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Crunch Up the Topping: Use freshly crushed Ritz crackers for maximum crispiness and a more vibrant texture compared to pre-crushed crackers.
• Customize Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheese types like monterey jack or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles to the casserole.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute full-fat ingredients with low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese for a healthier version.
• Enhance Protein Options: Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick protein swap without changing the recipe's core structure.
• Prepare Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

How To Store Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Refrigerate leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains fresh and tasty.
• Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• When ready to reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through completely.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the Ritz cracker topping soggy and compromise the dish's delightful crunch.
• For longer storage, freeze the casserole without the cracker topping for up to 2 months – simply add fresh cracker crumbs when reheating to restore that perfect crispy texture.

Great Pairings For Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the dish's heaviness and refreshing the palate with its bright, acidic notes.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Balance the casserole's rich texture by adding a light, crunchy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast.
• Create Vegetable Side Harmony: Roast some green beans or asparagus with garlic and lemon to add a vibrant, slightly tangy accompaniment that enhances the casserole's comforting flavors.
• Try Sparkling Apple Cider: For a non-alcoholic option, serve a cold, slightly sweet sparkling apple cider that cuts through the creamy chicken and offers a pleasant, light effervescence.

Creative Twists On Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Tex-Mex Magic: Swap chicken with ground beef, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle taco seasoning into the filling. Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of Ritz crackers for a zesty southwestern flair.
• Herbaceous Comfort: Mix fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage into the chicken mixture. Replace Ritz crackers with herbed breadcrumbs for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower and mixed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use cream of mushroom soup and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein.
• Buffalo Kick: Stir buffalo sauce into the chicken mixture, top with blue cheese crumbles, and use panko breadcrumbs mixed with ranch seasoning for a spicy game-day style casserole.

Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers FAQs

• What makes Ritz crackers special in this casserole?

Ritz crackers create a crispy, buttery golden topping that adds incredible texture and rich flavor to the chicken mixture. Their unique crunch transforms an ordinary casserole into something extraordinary.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even canned chicken. The key is ensuring the chicken is shredded and well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for families. Kids love the cheesy, creamy chicken base and the crunchy cracker topping. It’s a comforting meal that most children will happily eat without fuss.

• How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Try using low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and less cheese. You can also add some frozen mixed vegetables to boost the nutritional value while keeping the delicious taste intact.

Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting midwest chicken casserole blends creamy sauce, tender chicken, and buttery Ritz cracker topping for an irresistible family dinner. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising warmth and satisfaction with each delightful bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie)

Dairy Components:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Seasoning and Binding:

• 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating it with a light layer of grease and positioning the oven rack at the center, set to a moderate temperature of 350F (175C).
2. Create a harmonious blend of shredded chicken, creamy soup base, tangy dairy elements, sharp cheese, and aromatic seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring all components are thoroughly integrated.
3. Transfer the velvety chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Craft a crispy topping by transforming classic Ritz crackers into delicate crumbs and marrying them with rich, melted butter until they form a golden, crumbly texture.
5. Distribute the buttery cracker crumbs across the chicken mixture, creating a landscape of potential crunchiness that will transform during baking.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the surface achieves a beautiful golden hue and the interior becomes piping hot and effervescent.
7. Remove from the oven and permit the casserole to rest briefly, allowing the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld, then optionally garnish with fresh, verdant parsley for a touch of brightness.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a super quick and easy preparation, saving time without compromising flavor.
• Swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mix in some frozen mixed vegetables like peas and carrots to boost nutritional value and add colorful texture to the casserole.
• Consider reducing sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor depth without extra salt.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg