There’s something so satisfying about a warm, creamy casserole fresh from the oven, and this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is exactly that kind of dish. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a comforting dish for a potluck, or just a delicious way to use up leftover chicken, this recipe is a winner. The buttery Ritz cracker topping, combined with tender chicken and a creamy, flavorful sauce, makes this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole an irresistible family favorite.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole – A Comforting Family Favorite!
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole checks all the boxes: creamy, crunchy, buttery, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender shredded chicken, rich and creamy sauce, and a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping makes it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Pair it with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the perfect choice!
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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RITZ CRACKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE
✔ Easy to Make – Only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
✔ Rich and Creamy – A velvety, indulgent comfort food dish.
✔ Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
✔ Perfect for Leftovers – A great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
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3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (Rotisserie chicken works great too!)
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1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup (Your choice!)
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1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (Greek yogurt makes it a bit healthier.)
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2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (For that signature buttery crunch.)
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½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted (To mix with the crackers.)
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2 tbsp poppy seeds (optional) (Adds a little extra texture and flavor.)
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping ahead of time! Let’s dive into this easy and comforting recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. 😊🍗🔥
Substitutions and Variations for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is already deliciously creamy and flavorful, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste! Try these simple variations and substitutions to switch things up:
✔ Want a different flavor? – Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of celery or cream of cheddar for a unique twist.
✔ Looking for a crunchier topping? – Add French fried onions or panko breadcrumbs along with the Ritz crackers for an extra crispy topping.
✔ Prefer a little extra protein? – Mix in cooked bacon or chopped ham for a heartier, meatier bite.
✔ Make it cheesy! – Stir ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken mixture for an extra gooey, cheesy casserole.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps. Follow this guide to achieve a rich, creamy, and crispy casserole that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2.5 – 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔ 1 can of cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
✔ 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Stir until smooth and well combined. This mixture is the key to the casserole’s rich, creamy texture.
Next, fold in the shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Every bite should be packed with savory, comforting flavor!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top, creating an even layer. This ensures the casserole bakes consistently and evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, combine:
✔ 2 sleeves of crushed Ritz crackers
✔ ½ cup melted butter
Stir until the crackers are fully coated in butter. If you’re using poppy seeds, mix them in at this stage for an extra layer of crunch and texture.
Once ready, evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. This topping adds the signature crunch that makes this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole so irresistible!
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
Evenly spread the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the chicken layer, ensuring that the entire surface is well covered. The more evenly distributed the topping, the better the golden-brown, crispy texture will be once baked. This buttery, crunchy crust is what makes this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole so irresistible!
Baking, Serving, and Tips for the Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Now that your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is fully assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection. This is where all the flavors come together—creating a creamy, bubbly filling with an irresistibly crispy, buttery cracker topping.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
✔ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you haven’t already.
✔ Place the casserole dish in the center rack and bake for 25-30 minutes.
✔ Keep an eye on it, and check for these signs that it’s ready:
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The top is golden brown and crispy.
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The edges are bubbling, meaning the filling is hot and creamy.
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A buttery, savory aroma fills your kitchen!
💡 Want an extra-crispy topping? Switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just watch it closely to prevent burning!
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Use a large serving spoon to dish out generous portions, ensuring that every bite contains both the creamy chicken filling and the crispy, buttery cracker topping.
💡 Best Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs perfectly with:
✔ Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
✔ Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a heartier serving.
✔ A side of cranberry sauce if you’re making it with turkey leftovers!
What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is rich, creamy, and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can create a balanced, well-rounded meal. Here are some great serving options to complement its buttery, crispy goodness.
Vegetable Side Dishes
✔ Steamed broccoli or green beans – A fresh, light contrast to the rich casserole
✔ Roasted carrots – Adds a hint of natural sweetness to balance the savory flavors
✔ A simple garden salad – Tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Starchy Sides
✔ Garlic mashed potatoes – Because more comfort food is always a good idea
✔ Rice or quinoa – A neutral base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully
✔ Dinner rolls or cornbread – Perfect for scooping up every last bite of the casserole
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
One of the best things about this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy weeknight or bringing it to a potluck, here’s how to make it in advance and store it properly
Make-Ahead Instructions
✔ Assemble the casserole as instructed, but do not bake it yet
✔ Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
✔ When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before placing it in the oven
✔ Bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes if the casserole is still slightly cold
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because it’s so delicious!), here’s the best way to keep them fresh
✔ Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days
✔ Freezer – For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating
How to Reheat Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
✔ Oven – Cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through
✔ Microwave – Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating
Pro Tip: To keep the Ritz cracker topping crispy, reheat the casserole uncovered for the last few minutes
Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
To make sure your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips to enhance flavor, texture, and overall success
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. It adds extra flavor and eliminates the need for cooking and shredding chicken yourself. Simply remove the skin, shred the meat, and mix it right in
2. Get the Right Texture for the Topping
To ensure the Ritz cracker topping turns out perfectly crispy and golden, spread the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. If you prefer an extra crunchy topping, try mixing in ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese for more texture and flavor
3. Customize It to Your Taste
✔ Add a cheesy twist – Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the filling for an extra gooey, cheesy version
✔ Boost the nutrition – Mix in chopped mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra veggies
✔ Add some heat – Stir in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle spicy kick
4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set properly, making it easier to scoop and keeping every bite creamy and delicious
Frequently Asked Questions and Final Thoughts on Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Now that you have all the steps and expert tips for making the best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions. These common concerns will help ensure that your casserole turns out perfectly every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed. If it’s still cold, add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Here’s how:
✔ Assemble the casserole but do not bake it.
✔ Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
✔ Label it with the date and freeze.
✔ When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as instructed.
3. What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, try these great substitutes:
✔ Club crackers – Similar buttery taste with a slightly different texture
✔ Panko breadcrumbs – For a crispier, crunchier topping
✔ Crushed cornflakes – Adds a unique crunch but works well
4. Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes! While shredded chicken breast is the most common choice, you can also use:
✔ Rotisserie chicken – Saves time and adds extra flavor
✔ Leftover turkey – A great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers
✔ Canned chicken – A convenient option, just be sure to drain it well
5. Can I make this without cream soup?
If you prefer a homemade alternative to canned soup, try this easy DIY cream soup substitute:
✔ Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan
✔ Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute
✔ Slowly add 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of chicken broth
✔ Stir constantly until thickened, then use in place of canned soup
6. How can I make this casserole healthier?
To lighten up the casserole while keeping it creamy and delicious:
✔ Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein
✔ Use light butter or reduce the butter in the topping
✔ Try whole wheat crackers or almond flour crackers for a healthier crunch
✔ Add chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to increase the nutritional value
7. What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is rich and creamy, so it pairs well with lighter sides:
✔ Steamed broccoli or green beans – A fresh contrast to the creamy filling
✔ Roasted carrots – Adds a touch of natural sweetness
✔ Garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette – Helps balance out the richness
Final Thoughts on Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.
With its creamy, flavorful filling and buttery, crunchy topping, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home. Try out different variations, make it ahead for convenience, and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that everyone will love! 🍗🥘🔥
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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 35 minutes Total Time 45 minutes Description
Ingredients
- cooked, shredded chicken breast
- cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
- cream or plain Greek yogurt
- sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
- (1 stick) butter, melted
- poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2.5 – 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until well combined. Gently fold in the shredded chicken until fully coated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. If using, stir in the poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Top the casserole: Evenly spread the buttery cracker topping over the chicken mixture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly in the center.
- Serve & enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.