Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery crunch? This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is everything you need! Juicy shredded chicken is smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, layered with melty cheese, and topped with golden, buttery Ritz crackers. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Trust me—this one’s a guaranteed hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy – Made with simple pantry staples and ready in under an hour.
- Creamy & Crunchy – A perfect blend of smooth, cheesy goodness with a crispy cracker topping.
- Family Favorite – A kid-friendly dish that even picky eaters will love.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and store for easy leftovers.
Ingredients
To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need:
- Shredded Chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred your own.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – The creamy base that gives the casserole its rich texture.
- Sour Cream – Adds tanginess and makes it extra creamy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Because everything’s better with cheese!
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Simple seasonings to enhance the flavor.
- Ritz Crackers – The crispy, buttery topping that makes this casserole so delicious.
- Butter – Mixed with crackers for a golden, crispy finish.
- Salt & Pepper – To season everything perfectly.
Note: Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Step 3: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
Crush the Ritz crackers into small pieces. In a bowl, mix the crackers with melted butter until well coated.
Step 4: Add the Topping & Bake
Evenly spread the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese, if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Don’t Overbake – The casserole is done when the topping is golden and the inside is bubbly.
- Mix Up the Cheese – Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little kick.
- Make It Extra Creamy – Add a little milk if you prefer a looser consistency.
How to Serve
This casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots balance out the richness.
- Side Salad – A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy casserole.
- Rice or Mashed Potatoes – To soak up all that creamy sauce!
- Dinner Rolls – For scooping up every last bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If needed, cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning.
FAQs
- Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives better texture and flavor. - What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or club crackers can be used for a different crunch. - Can I add veggies to this casserole?
Absolutely! Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or chopped broccoli for added nutrition. - How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories while keeping it creamy.
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the perfect easy, comforting dish for any night of the week. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with the most addictive buttery cracker crust, it’s a meal your whole family will love. Enjoy! 🍽️💕
for same similar recipes
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken: The Juiciest Recipe Ever – A creamy baked chicken dish that’s rich and flavorful, similar to the comfort-food appeal of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
Cracker Barrel Pancake Recipe – While not a casserole, it features the signature homestyle taste of Cracker Barrel, which is similar to the comforting flavors in a Ritz cracker-based recipe.
Crockpot Creamy Potato Hamburger Soup – A creamy, hearty dish that has a similar comforting and rich texture as Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
Mississippi Meatballs Recipe – A slow-cooked, flavorful meat dish with a creamy sauce, offering a similar indulgent and homey feel.
Lipton Onion Soup Meatloaf – A simple and flavorful baked dish that, like the casserole, relies on a mix of creamy and crunchy textures for a satisfying meal.
Print
Ritz cracker chicken casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. With tender shredded chicken baked in a rich, savory sauce, this dish is both effortless and irresistibly delicious. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love! Serve it with a side of veggies or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken with herbs soup – Adds a flavorful, creamy base.
- 1 cup sour cream – Adds richness and tang.
- ½ cup sliced green onion – Brings a mild, fresh onion flavor.
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken – A rotisserie chicken works great for ease and flavor.
For the Ritz Cracker Topping:
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed – Creates a crunchy, buttery topping.
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted – Helps toast the cracker topping to golden perfection.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy on its own or with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – It’s a quick and easy way to add flavor without extra cooking.
- Make It Lighter – Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish.
- Add Vegetables – Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Spice It Up – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little kick.
- Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes