Introduction
If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and irresistibly crispy dish, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate go-to recipe. With its buttery cracker topping and rich, savory flavor, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry!
This casserole is special because:
- Quick Prep: It takes only 10 minutes to put together.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
Did you know that casseroles have been a staple in American homes for decades? This dish combines the best elements of a classic casserole—creamy filling, crunchy topping, and a hearty texture that makes it perfect for any meal.
If you love baked chicken dishes like Chicken Pot Pie or Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll love the crispy twist in this recipe! Let’s dive into why this dish is so special and how you can make the best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole at home.
What is Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole gets its name from the iconic buttery Ritz crackers that create a deliciously crunchy topping. This dish is all about comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy chicken baked to perfection with a golden, crispy finish.
But why Ritz crackers? Because they add a rich, buttery crunch that other toppings just can’t match. Think of it as the perfect blend between a crispy fried chicken and a creamy casserole.
Fun fact: “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” and this casserole proves it! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep, it’s a guaranteed winner.
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
✅ Perfectly Balanced: The creamy filling and crispy cracker topping make a satisfying contrast.
✅ Budget-Friendly: Costs way less than dining out, but just as delicious!
✅ Customizable & Easy: Swap ingredients, add toppings, or adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
If you love crispy chicken but hate frying, this dish gives you all the crunch without the hassle. Let’s dive into how to make it!
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken | 3 cups | Shredded or cubed |
| Ritz Crackers | 1 sleeve | Crushed |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can | Substitute with cream of mushroom if desired |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup | Adds extra creaminess |
| Butter | 4 tbsp | Melted, for topping |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | Shredded |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | Optional for added flavor |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Adjust as needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until well coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Best Side Dishes
- Steamed Green Beans – A fresh, healthy contrast to the rich casserole.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Double the comfort factor!
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, refreshing side to balance the flavors.
Perfect Drink Pairings
- Iced Tea – A classic Southern pairing.
- Chardonnay – Complements the creamy richness.
- Lemonade – A sweet and tangy balance.
Extra Topping Ideas
- Crispy Bacon Bits – For extra crunch and smoky flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions – Adds a fresh, zesty kick.
- Parmesan Cheese – Extra cheesiness never hurts!
Top Tips for Perfecting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
✔ Ingredient Swaps:
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
- Swap cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
- Try Panko breadcrumbs if you’re out of Ritz crackers.
✔ Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Don’t overbake—30 minutes is just right to keep it creamy inside.
- Avoid using dry chicken; make sure it’s moist and well-seasoned.
- Don’t skimp on the butter for the cracker topping—it’s what makes it extra crispy!
✔ Pro Tips for Texture & Flavor:
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Bake uncovered to ensure a crispy topping.
Storing and Reheating Tips
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Instructions |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. |
Best Practices
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- For meal prep, divide into individual portions before freezing.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups 3 cups Cooked Chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tsp butter, melted
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping over the chicken mixture evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use low-fat sour cream, Greek yogurt, or reduced-fat cheese.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Simply bake or boil chicken breasts, shred them, and proceed with the recipe.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use coconut milk yogurt and dairy-free cheese.
What’s the best way to crush Ritz crackers?
Place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Final Thoughts
Try it tonight, and let us know in the comments how it turned out! Happy cooking! 🍽️
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, crispy, and incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or a dish to impress at a potluck, this recipe won’t disappoint.
