Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The creamy chicken base paired with that golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping just hits the perfect comfort food note every single time. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, this casserole is an easy go-to that never disappoints.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create something so satisfying and flavorful. You’ll find that it’s super forgiving, so even if you’re not an expert cook, you can still get these beautiful layers of creamy chicken and crunchy topping just right. Honestly, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my home, especially when I want something that’s cozy and fuss-free.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe blend creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that complement each other perfectly. Most are pantry or fridge staples, which makes this dish even better when you want a fast, satisfying meal.

• Cooked shredded chicken: Using cooked chicken saves so much time—I often use rotisserie chicken from the store for convenience and flavor.
• Cream of chicken soup: This is the base of the creamy sauce; you can substitute homemade cream soup if you prefer.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness, balancing the cream soup and chicken perfectly.
• Onion powder: Brings depth and subtle savory sweetness without chopping fresh onions.
• Garlic powder: A small touch adds a ton of flavor and aroma.
• Salt and pepper: Season to your taste; I usually start light and adjust after mixing.
• Ritz crackers: Crushing them just right is key to that signature buttery crumb topping.
• Butter (melted): Make sure it’s melted fully so it coats the cracker crumbs evenly for maximum crispness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to put your personal spin on it!

• Adding veggies: I sometimes stir in frozen peas or diced bell peppers for an easy veggie boost—my family barely notices!
• Spicy twist: For a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños blends beautifully with the creamy base.
• Substitute dairy: You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or to add some extra tang.
• Cheesy upgrade: Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella before topping for an ultra-gooey feel.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease your casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray so the casserole doesn’t stick and cleanup stays easy—you’ll thank me later.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I usually give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and the chicken is fully coated. This is where all the magic starts—the creamy mixture is so flavorful on its own!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Then, crush your Ritz crackers roughly—not too fine, you want some texture—and sprinkle them over the casserole. Finally, drizzle your melted butter evenly on top so every crumb gets a buttery coating that will crisp up in the oven.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the casserole for 20 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cracker topping turns golden brown. Watching that crust get crispy and browned is honestly one of my favorite parts. Just keep an eye so it doesn’t burn—if the top is browning too fast, loosely cover with aluminum foil.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice just brightens everything up, cutting through the richness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this casserole are simple steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp side salad. The fresh greens balance all that creamy, buttery goodness on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special family dinner, I’ve served this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins and topped each with a single whole Ritz cracker for a charming touch. It instantly feels a bit fancier but keeps the same comforting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for about 3-4 days. The topping softens a bit, but reheating carefully brings back much of the crispness.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well if you want to prep ahead or save portions. I freeze it before baking in a covered dish, then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming individual servings in the oven at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Microwaving is faster but may soften the topping too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe truly feels like a little gift to your taste buds—comforting, easy, and delicious. I keep coming back to it because it’s just one of those reliable dishes that works for so many occasions. I hope when you try it, you find the same joy and simplicity I did when making it for the first time. Give it a go; you might just find your new favorite cozy casserole!

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