If you love comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to absolutely adore this Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s a deliciously rich and creamy casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with a luscious blend of cream of chicken soup and sour cream, all topped with the iconic buttery crunch of crushed Ritz crackers. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and crispy textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to share with friends and family any time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe calls for ingredients you likely already have on hand, but each one is essential for creating its signature creamy, savory, and golden crunchy layers. They come together to build fantastic flavor and irresistible texture in every bite.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (3 cups): Using rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut to tender, moist chicken pieces.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This creamy base provides rich, savory depth for the casserole’s sauce.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy creaminess that balances the flavors and keeps the dish luscious.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtle warmth and depth to the savory blend.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the garlic with aromatic, slightly sweet notes.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, about 30 crackers), crushed: The star crunchy topping that adds buttery crispness.
- Melted butter (1/4 cup): Binds with the crackers to create a golden, toasted finish on top.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness for garnish.
How to Make Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly once baked. Setting this up first lets you focus on mixing without any rush.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Base
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This step is key because it infuses the chicken with rich, creamy flavor while seasoning every bite perfectly.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture into the Baking Dish
Evenly spread the creamy chicken mixture into your greased baking dish. Take a moment to smooth it out so it bakes uniformly and looks inviting before adding the delicious topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Ritz Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crackers are thoroughly coated in butter. This ensures the topping becomes golden and crisp while baking, providing an irresistible texture contrast to the creamy filling.
Step 5: Top and Bake Your Casserole
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken base. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and you see bubbling at the edges — the hallmark of a perfectly cooked creamy casserole.
How to Serve Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens up this rich dish with a touch of color and herbal freshness. It’s totally optional but highly recommended to add that inviting, restaurant-quality finishing touch right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this luscious Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. These lighter sides balance the richness and add vibrant texture contrasts to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in ramekins topped with extra crushed Ritz crackers for a fun, personalized touch. Or, serve alongside a dollop of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of the savory sauce. Presentation can make this homey dish feel like a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly to preserve moisture and prevent it from drying out. Reheat as needed for a quick, delicious meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it’s cooked and cooled. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2 months, perfect for effortless future dinners.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly — about 15 to 20 minutes. This method keeps the creamy texture intact and restores the crispy Ritz cracker topping nicely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs, then let them cool before mixing into the casserole. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds extra seasoning, but fresh cooked chicken works perfectly too.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you can’t find cream of chicken soup, you can make a simple homemade version by mixing a roux (butter and flour) with chicken broth and a splash of cream or milk. This keeps the casserole creamy while controlling the ingredients.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or healthier?
For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, low-fat soup, and reduced-fat butter. You can also add vegetables like peas or mushrooms into the mix for extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes! Prepare the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Then simply bake it fresh the next day. The flavors actually meld beautifully when made ahead, making it even tastier.
Why use Ritz crackers instead of regular bread crumbs?
Ritz crackers bring a buttery, flaky crunch unique to their texture that ordinary bread crumbs can’t match. They toast to a perfect golden brown top that adds a wonderful contrast to the creamy chicken beneath.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe has all the qualities of a comforting classic: rich, creamy, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make. I hope this dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation for those cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests with little effort but big flavor. Grab those ingredients and get ready for a casserole masterpiece that feels like home in every bite!
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Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is an easy and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken with a rich cream of chicken soup base, topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just 40 minutes, delivering a deliciously creamy yet crispy texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Spread Chicken Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the cracker pieces are well coated and evenly moistened.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the surface of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before serving to add a fresh color and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- The Ritz cracker topping can be customized by adding a pinch of paprika or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use light cream soup.
- This casserole pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
