Some meals go beyond simply filling your stomach—they bring comfort, warmth, and memories to the table. Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is one of those recipes. The creamy chicken filling, paired with the buttery, golden topping, delivers the perfect mix of flavors and textures that instantly feels like home.
If you’ve been searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish, this casserole is about to become your go-to. High Protein Buffalo Chicken Dip – another creamy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for game day or gatherings.Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck contribution, or a cozy Sunday meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. Best of all, it’s simple, versatile, and almost impossible to mess up.
What Makes Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Special
This dish stands out for more than just its ease of preparation. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:
- Crunchy topping: Ritz crackers create a golden, buttery crust that’s irresistible.
- Creamy filling: Tender chicken mixed with sour cream and soup gives you a velvety bite.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the flavor, while adults appreciate the nostalgic comfort. Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken – another restaurant-inspired comfort food recipe your whole family will love.
- Quick prep: You can throw it together in minutes, then let the oven do the rest.
In short, it’s the kind of casserole that feels indulgent while still being practical for busy nights.
Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
To make this classic dish, you only need a handful of pantry staples and some pre-cooked chicken.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 2 cans of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup steamed vegetables (peas, carrots, or broccoli)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients keep the recipe flexible. You can stick to the basics for a quick dinner or add extras to customize it to your taste.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
You’ll need cooked chicken for this casserole. Rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or even boiled chicken breasts all work. Shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the chicken until it’s evenly coated. If you’re adding cheese or vegetables, this is the stage to mix them in.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Make the Topping
Crush the Ritz crackers and stir them into melted butter until coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole filling. This topping is the star of the dish, providing a buttery crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Bake
Put the casserole into a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
Step 6: Serve
Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the filling time to set, making it easier to dish out.
Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
If you want your casserole to come out just right every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience.
- Don’t skip the butter in the topping—it’s what makes the Ritz crackers golden and rich.
- Chill leftovers properly in an airtight container. They can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later by assembling but not baking. Wrap tightly, freeze, and bake when ready.
- Rest before serving so the filling holds together better when scooped.
Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can tweak it to suit your family’s preferences.
- Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole – Mix shredded cheddar into the filling and sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Veggie-loaded version – Add broccoli, peas, or a mix of vegetables to make it more wholesome.
- Spicy kick – Stir in a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat. Chicken Parmesan Calzone – another cheesy, flavorful chicken recipe with a fun twist.
- Healthy swap – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein and a lighter texture. Mediterranean Chicken Bowl – a lighter, protein-packed chicken recipe loaded with wholesome Mediterranean flavors.
FAQs About Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Is it possible to prepare Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole in advance?
Yes! The casserole can be put together up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover securely with foil and freeze for as long as 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use a different soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works well if you want a flavor change.
How do I keep the Ritz cracker topping crispy?
Bake uncovered so the crackers don’t steam. If reheating leftovers, you can place the dish under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp the topping back up.
A Dish Worth Sharing
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is more than just another dinner—it’s a dish that brings comfort and connection to the table. With its creamy filling, buttery topping, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
The next time you need a quick dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this casserole will have your back. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to win over anyone who tries it.
So grab your chicken, crush those crackers, and get ready to enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups Ritz crackers crushed
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 1 cup steamed vegetables peas, carrots, or broccoli, optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cooked chicken (and optional cheese or vegetables). Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To freeze: assemble but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- Swap cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a flavor variation.
- Add vegetables for extra nutrition and texture.
