Get ready to fall in love with the most delicious, creamy, and satisfying weeknight dinner imaginable. This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken in a rich, savory cream sauce, all topped with a buttery, irresistibly crunchy Ritz cracker crust. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday or bringing a dish to a potluck, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
We’re taking simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and transforming them into a casserole masterpiece. Forget complicated steps and long cooking times; this dish is designed for ease and flavor. The savory chicken filling and the golden, buttery cracker topping create a texture and taste combination that is simply divine.
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy topping are a classic combination that soothes the soul.
- Family-Friendly: This is a mild, savory dish that even the pickiest eaters will devour. It’s a true family favorite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily assemble this casserole ahead of time, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or for entertaining.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of common ingredients to create this fantastic casserole.
For the Creamy Chicken Filling
- Shredded Chicken: A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, but you can also use any cooked, shredded chicken you have on hand. Making your own perfectly baked chicken breast (coming soon) is a great option.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the classic, creamy base that brings everything together.
- Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess to the sauce.
- Milk: Helps to create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Seasonings: A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper provides all the flavor you need.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: An easy way to add some vegetables and color, no chopping required!
For the Buttery Ritz Topping
- Ritz Crackers: The star of the show! Their buttery, salty flavor is iconic.
- Melted Butter: This is what transforms the crushed crackers into a golden, crispy, and utterly delicious topping.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Making this casserole is as easy as mix, dump, top, and bake. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Gently fold in the frozen peas and carrots.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Prepare the Topping: Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or your hands to crush them into coarse crumbs. You want a mix of small pieces and some larger ones for texture. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until they are fully coated.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken filling.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole Ever
- Don’t Over-Crush the Crackers: For the best texture, leave some larger pieces of cracker in your topping. This creates a more satisfying crunch.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: If you decide to add cheese, shred it yourself! Pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting as smoothly. A cup of cheddar or Monterey Jack would be delicious.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven lets the sauce thicken up, making it easier to serve.
Fun Variations to Try
While this classic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or corn to the filling.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice, subtle warmth.
- Change the Soup: Try using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. For a truly decadent dish, you could even make a homemade sauce, similar to what you’d find in a creamy baked mac and cheese.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This is a hearty, all-in-one meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
- Fluffy homemade dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is just as good the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cracker topping will soften over time but will still be delicious.
Freezing the Casserole
This casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble it completely but do not bake it. Cover the dish tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, you can bake it from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the cooking time, or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. To reheat a larger portion and revive some of the topping’s crispiness, place it in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
Yes, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. For a homemade option, you can create a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.
It’s very easy to add more veggies! Steamed broccoli florets, sautéed onions and celery, corn, or green beans are all excellent additions. Just mix them into the filling before baking.
The casserole is done when the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges and the Ritz cracker topping is a deep golden brown. If you use a thermometer, the center should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Any cooked, shredded chicken works perfectly. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but you can also use leftover baked or poached chicken breasts or thighs.
The Perfect Comfort Meal Awaits
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then fold in the peas and carrots.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
Tip 2: A rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver for this recipe.
Tip 3: Don't crush the crackers too finely; leaving larger pieces creates a better, crunchier texture.
Share Your Creation!
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a feeling of warmth, comfort, and home. It’s the perfect meal for sharing with those you love. If you make this recipe and enjoy it, I’d love to see it! Please share a photo and tag me on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations truly make my day!
