The Ultimate Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: An Easy Family Favorite!
Discover the magic of a truly comforting meal with this incredible Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. Imagine tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, seasoned perfectly with savory onion. All of this deliciousness is crowned with a golden, buttery crust of crushed Ritz crackers, baked to perfection. It’s a dish that promises pure comfort in every bite and the best part? It comes together in around 30 minutes of active prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a comforting family gathering.
Why This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of home-cooked goodness. Its widespread appeal lies in its brilliant simplicity and incredibly satisfying flavors. Using readily available, everyday ingredients, this recipe transforms humble components into a comfort-packed masterpiece. Layers of tender, shredded chicken, a rich and creamy base of cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, and finely diced onion are all brought together in a baking dish. The pièce de résistance is, of course, the buttery, crisp topping made from crushed Ritz crackers, which bakes to a beautiful golden and bubbly finish. It’s this irresistible combination of textures – creamy, savory filling contrasted with a crunchy, salty topping – that makes this easy chicken casserole an undeniable favorite. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages, consistently delivering warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Crafting this simple yet spectacular chicken casserole requires a handful of common pantry staples and fresh ingredients. The magic happens when these components merge to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Below, you’ll find an overview of what you’ll need, along with insights into their roles and potential substitutions. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Detailed Ingredient Insights and Handy Substitution Tips
Understanding each ingredient’s role can help you customize this casserole to your taste or dietary needs. Here’s a closer look:
- CHICKEN – For this recipe, we typically use 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded. This yields approximately 5-6 cups of shredded chicken. You have several options for preparing your chicken:
- Pre-cooked or Leftovers: If you have leftover roast chicken or pre-cooked chicken from another meal, this is a fantastic way to utilize it, saving you valuable time.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is a stellar shortcut. It’s already cooked, seasoned, and incredibly flavorful. Just shred it and you’re good to go! Do note that the flavor profile might be slightly different depending on the rotisserie seasoning.
- Fresh Chicken: If starting from scratch, you can boil, bake, or slow-cook your chicken breasts until thoroughly cooked and easily shreddable. Boiling for 15-20 minutes or baking at 375F for 20-25 minutes are common methods.
- Canned Chicken: In a pinch, drained canned chicken can be a convenient substitute. While the texture and flavor might differ slightly from freshly cooked chicken, it still works well for a quick meal. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP – This is the foundation of our creamy sauce, providing a rich, savory depth and helping to bind all the ingredients. We use two 10.5-ounce cans (total 21 ounces). You can also use “healthy request” versions for a lower sodium option, or even cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor twist. For a from-scratch alternative, a homemade béchamel sauce with chicken broth could be used, though it adds to the prep time.
- SOUR CREAM – Adding sour cream contributes a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the casserole, balancing the richness of the soup. Full-fat sour cream provides the best texture and flavor, but a light sour cream can be used for a lighter version. Plain Greek yogurt is another excellent substitute, offering a similar tang and thickness with added protein.
- YELLOW ONION – Finely diced yellow onion is crucial for aromatic flavor. It slowly softens and melds into the creamy sauce, adding a subtle sweetness and depth. Ensure it’s diced very finely so it cooks down properly and disperses evenly throughout the casserole. If fresh onion isn’t available, about 1-2 teaspoons of onion powder could be used, but fresh is always preferred for flavor.
- SEASONINGS (Ground Pepper & Garlic Powder) – These basic seasonings enhance the overall savory profile without overpowering the main ingredients. Feel free to adjust to your liking or add a pinch of dried thyme or poultry seasoning for extra complexity.
- RITZ CRACKERS – The star of the topping! Ritz crackers are known for their buttery, slightly salty flavor and flaky texture when crushed. They create an incredibly satisfying golden-brown crust. Approximately 2 sleeves, or about 60 crackers, roughly crushed, will be needed.
- UNSALTED BUTTER – Melted butter is mixed with the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring they crisp up beautifully and acquire that signature rich, golden-brown finish. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
- ADDITIONS – This casserole is wonderfully versatile for incorporating vegetables. Feel free to stir in 1-2 cups of your favorite frozen vegetables, such as:
- Frozen peas
- Bite-sized chopped broccoli florets
- Corn kernels
- Diced carrots
- Sautéed mushrooms
You can also add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of flavor and gooey texture.
Effortless Steps to Prepare Your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize the process of making this delicious casserole. For a printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Begin by ensuring your oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking. Preheat your oven to a comfortable 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and generously spray it with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Set the prepared dish aside.
- Combine the Creamy Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the main casserole ingredients EXCEPT the Ritz crackers and butter. This includes your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely diced yellow onion, ground pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly until all components are well combined and the mixture is uniformly creamy. Once mixed, transfer this savory chicken mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it from edge to edge.
- Add the Buttery Ritz Topping and Bake: In a separate, small bowl, combine your roughly crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. This ensures a beautifully golden and crispy topping. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture generously and evenly over the top of the chicken casserole. Transfer the dish to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden brown and the casserole filling is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool, Garnish, and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfection
To help you master this delightful Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, here are some common questions and expert tips:
Once the casserole has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual servings or cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through.
Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Once it’s fully baked and cooled, wrap the entire dish tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Label the container with the date and contents. The casserole will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through (approx. 30-45 minutes), removing the foil for the last 10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.
Yes, you certainly can! Canned chicken is a convenient substitute for fresh chicken breast, especially if you’re short on time. Just be sure to drain the canned chicken thoroughly to remove any excess liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be slightly different from freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken, but it will still make a delicious casserole.
Yes, this casserole is excellent for meal prep! You can assemble the chicken and creamy base mixture (steps 1 and 2) and store it covered in the casserole dish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the Ritz cracker topping, sprinkle it over the cold mixture, and then bake as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since the casserole is starting from a colder temperature.
Absolutely! Cheese makes everything better. You can mix 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar-jack blend into the chicken mixture before transferring it to the baking dish. Alternatively, sprinkle some cheese over the chicken mixture before adding the Ritz cracker topping. This will add another layer of savory, gooey goodness to your comfort food.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Casserole:
- Perfectly Shredded Chicken: If cooking chicken from scratch, boil or bake boneless chicken breasts until fork-tender. Once slightly cooled, shred them using two forks or even a hand mixer on low speed for super quick, finely shredded chicken.
- Don’t Skimp on the Butter: The butter in the Ritz topping is key to its golden color and irresistible crispiness. Ensure the crushed crackers are thoroughly coated.
- Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary. Keep an eye on your casserole during the last few minutes of baking. You want the topping to be golden brown and the filling bubbling around the edges, but avoid overbaking, which can dry out the chicken.
- Season to Taste: While the recipe provides a great baseline, feel free to adjust the pepper and garlic powder to your personal preference. You can also add a pinch of salt if your cream of chicken soup is low sodium.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce set, resulting in cleaner, more manageable servings.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a hearty, stand-alone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying dinner. Here are some suggestions to complement its rich, creamy flavors and crunchy topping:
- Fresh Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Enhance your meal with a healthy serving of vegetables. Options include:
- Roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon
- Steamed green beans with a pat of butter
- Garlic roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
- Glazed carrots for a touch of sweetness
- Sautéed spinach or kale
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce, a warm, crusty bread or soft dinner roll is always a welcome addition.
- Rice or Noodles: If you desire a more substantial meal, a side of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or egg noodles can be a great choice.
- Mashed Potatoes: For ultimate comfort food indulgence, serve alongside a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.
No matter how you serve it, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Explore More Delicious Chicken Casserole Recipes
If you love the ease and comfort of this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic chicken casserole recipes that are just as easy to make and equally delicious. Casseroles are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and meal prepping. Here are some more of our top picks that you might enjoy:
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: A spicy and cheesy delight, perfect for those who love a kick!
- Mexican Chicken Casserole: Packed with vibrant Southwest flavors, this casserole is a fiesta in a dish.
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole: A classic, layered Tex-Mex favorite with a creamy, cheesy filling.
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Rich, creamy, and undeniably luxurious – a true crowd-pleaser.
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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cooked and shredded, about 5-6 cups
- 21 ounces cream of chicken soup two 10.5 cans
- 2 cups sour cream full fat
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced, about 1 1/2 cups
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers about 60 crackers, roughly crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, melted
- fresh chopped parsley optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- We shredded 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can use leftovers or pre-cook your chicken before beginning. Or, opt for a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, but do note that the flavor might differ slightly.
- Canned chicken will also work if that’s what you prefer or what you have on hand. Drain the chicken well before incorporating with the other ingredients.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the mix such as 1-2 cups of frozen peas or bite-sized chopped broccoli.
Instructions
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Ensure your oven rack is set in the middle and preheat your oven to 350F. Prep a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick spray and set aside.
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Place all ingredients (except the ritz and butter) into a large bowl and mix until well combined. Then transfer to your prepared casserole dish.
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In a small bowl, add crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and mix well. Sprinkle the topping all over the casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
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Allow it to cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store the cooled casserole covered with plastic wrap or in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Wrap the fully cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and contents. The casserole will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.