When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to a rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole. One of the best and most beloved casseroles out there is Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole—a deliciously creamy, flavorful dish topped with a buttery, crunchy layer of Ritz crackers.
This dish is a staple in many households, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or a potluck gathering, this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Quick & Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time and a 30-minute bake time, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, seasonings, Ritz crackers, and butter—simple ingredients that are easy to find.
- Rich, Creamy, & Buttery Goodness: The creamy chicken filling combined with the buttery Ritz cracker topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved: The mild flavors and crispy topping make this a favorite dish for kids and adults alike.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create this delicious, comforting casserole:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 4: Add the Ritz Cracker Topping
Crush the Ritz crackers and mix them with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken from scratch.
- Make it Extra Cheesy: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for an extra creamy and cheesy casserole.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. A little smoked paprika or parsley can add more depth of flavor.
- Add Vegetables: To make this dish more nutritious, mix in broccoli, peas, carrots, or spinach before baking.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the ingredients and use a larger casserole dish.
What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Mashed Potatoes – A classic comfort food combo.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli – Adds a fresh, healthy touch.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for scooping up every last bite.
- Side Salad – A light, crisp salad balances the richness of the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
2. Can I freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
4. Can I use different crackers for the topping?
Yes! If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use saltine crackers, Club crackers, or even crushed cornflakes.
5. Can I make this casserole low-carb?
To make a low-carb version, replace the Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds and use a low-carb cream soup substitute.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, creamy, and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the perfect choice. With its creamy shredded chicken filling and buttery Ritz cracker topping, this dish is a crowd favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Try this recipe tonight and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to pin, rate, and share this recipe with your friends and family!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 452 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Cholesterol: 149mg
- Sodium: 777mg
- Potassium: 351mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 860IU
- Vitamin C: 0.4mg
- Calcium: 76mg
- Iron: 2.1mg