Quick & Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this Ritz cracker chicken casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy layers blend seamlessly with crispy cracker toppings for an irresistible meal.

Home cooks adore this classic dish for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor profile.

Tender chicken nestles between rich, savory ingredients that melt together perfectly.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious mix of textures and tastes that warm the soul.

The golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a delectable crunch that elevates this casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that transforms weeknight dinners into memorable moments.

Keeping Ritz Chicken Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole cools completely before covering and placing in the fridge.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake uncovered at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil if crackers start browning too quickly.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring midway to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the casserole.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which makes it great for meal prep.

• What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives that will maintain a similar creamy texture in the recipe.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown, the edges are bubbly, and it’s heated through completely in the center, typically taking 25-30 minutes.

Why Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Is Pure Comfort Food

• Ritz crackers create an irresistible, crispy topping that adds delightful texture to this classic chicken casserole.
• Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Creamy, cheesy chicken with a golden cracker crust appeals to both kids and adults, turning dinnertime into a crowd-pleasing moment.
• Works wonderfully as a weeknight dinner, potluck contribution, or comforting meal for gatherings, providing a reliable and satisfying dish for various occasions.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken: The primary protein that provides substance and flavor to the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich, smooth sauce that binds the casserole together and adds a tangy depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: These buttery crackers provide a crispy, golden-brown layer that adds texture and a classic comfort food feel to the casserole.
• Butter: Helps the cracker topping become golden and creates a delicious, rich finish.

Kitchen Tools for Ritz Chicken Casserole Success

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• 2-quart baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure cream of chicken soup and sour cream.
• Whisk or spatula: Great for blending soup, sour cream, and seasoning.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing or chopping chicken if needed.
• Sharp knife: Helps cut or shred chicken for the recipe.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amount of Italian seasoning.
• Pastry brush or spoon: Helps drizzle melted butter evenly over crackers.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Making a Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Grab your baking dish and preheat the oven to 350°F.

Lightly coat the dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Italian seasoning

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Chicken

Gently fold the cooked chicken into the creamy sauce.

Make sure every piece of chicken gets a delicious coating of the mixture.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly so every bite will be equally tasty.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

Crush the Ritz crackers into small pieces and sprinkle them generously over the top of the casserole.

This will create an irresistible crispy layer.

Step 6: Drizzle with Butter

Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the crushed crackers.

This will help the topping turn golden and extra crispy.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown and the center is hot and bubbly.

Tips for Golden, Crunchy Ritz Chicken Casserole

• Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to maintain moisture and enhance flavor without overcooking.
• Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the cream mixture for extra depth and richness.
• Crush Ritz crackers just before topping to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian-friendly version or use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-sensitive diet.

Creative Takes on Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Cracker Casserole: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or plant-based chicken alternatives to create a meat-free casserole.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup, reduce added salt, and select reduced-sodium crackers to decrease overall sodium content.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, replace Italian seasoning with oregano and thyme, and top with chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Delightfully

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice the casserole into neat squares and arrange on a colorful platter with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for a stunning presentation.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair this creamy chicken casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add nutritional value and create a well-rounded family dinner.
• Brunch Brilliance: Offer this casserole as a hearty midday meal with a side of fresh fruit or light mimosas for a weekend gathering that everyone will love.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ritz cracker chicken casserole delivers comfort with classic American flavors and creamy textures. Crispy breadcrumb topping and tender chicken make this hearty dish perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Creamy Base:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken soup with herbs

Crunchy Topping:

• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted

Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat an 8-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Italian seasoning until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
3. Gently incorporate the pre-cooked chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is completely enveloped by the sauce.
4. Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to distribute it evenly across the surface.
5. Create a crispy layer by generously sprinkling crushed Ritz crackers over the entire casserole, covering the chicken mixture completely.
6. Enhance the cracker topping by drizzling melted butter uniformly across the surface, which will help create a golden, crunchy exterior.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the cracker topping turns a rich golden brown and the center becomes hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the dish.
• Swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the same crunchy texture.
• Consider adding frozen mixed vegetables directly into the chicken mixture to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-dish meal.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like ranch or herbs de Provence to customize the flavor profile and keep the recipe exciting for repeated enjoyments.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 394
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 754 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 83 mg