Let me tell you about my family’s secret weapon for busy weeknights – this glorious Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. The moment that golden, buttery cracker topping comes out of the oven, my kids come running like it’s Christmas morning. There’s something magical about how the creamy chicken filling hugs those crunchy Ritz crumbs in every bite. I stumbled onto this recipe years ago when I needed to throw together dinner with whatever I had in the pantry (hello, half-empty Ritz box!). Now it’s our go-to comfort food that comes together faster than you can say “second helpings.”
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Oh, where do I even start? This casserole is basically a hug in baking dish form! Here’s why it’s become my weeknight superhero:
- Quick as lightning: From fridge to table in under an hour—even faster if you cheat with rotisserie chicken (no judgment here!)
- Comfort food magic: That creamy chicken filling with the buttery Ritz topping? Pure nostalgia on a fork
- Kid-approved: My picky eater actually asks for seconds—that’s basically a parenting win
- Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you probably already have (who doesn’t have a sleeve of Ritz hiding somewhere?)
- Leftover champ: Tastes even better the next day—if it lasts that long!
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll understand why my family begs for it every week!
Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy casserole – I promise, it’s probably all sitting in your kitchen right now! My grandma always said baking is like chemistry, so measure carefully (though I sometimes play fast and loose with the cheese – shh!).
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded rotisserie chicken works like magic here
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup – the creamy backbone of the dish
- 1 cup sour cream – full-fat gives the best rich texture (low-fat makes me sad)
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers – about 36 crackers, crushed (but keep some whole for snacking!)
- 1/2 cup melted butter – unsalted, please! We control our own salt destiny
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar makes it pop
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp onion powder – our flavor superheroes
- Salt and pepper – to taste (I do about 1/4 tsp each)
See? Nothing fancy – just pantry staples that transform into pure comfort. Now let’s make some magic! If you’re looking for more easy dinner inspiration, check out my dinner ideas collection.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Okay, let’s get cooking! This casserole comes together so easily you’ll be amazed. Just follow these simple steps – I promise it’s harder to resist eating the cracker topping raw than it is to make this dish!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your biggest mixing bowl. Toss in your shredded chicken (I like to use my hands for this – very therapeutic!), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and all those lovely seasonings. Mix it until everything’s cozy and combined – you want it creamy but not soupy. Pro tip: Taste as you go! Need more garlic? Add it! That’s the beauty of home cooking.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Now, spread that glorious chicken mixture into your greased 9×13 baking dish. Smooth it out nice and even – no hills and valleys here! In another bowl (or hey, just use the same one washed quickly), mix your crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and shredded cheese. This is where the magic happens! Sprinkle this heavenly topping evenly over the chicken layer. Don’t skimp – cover every inch for maximum crunch!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop that beauty in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling happily and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown – like sunshine on crackers! Resist the urge to dig in immediately (I know, it’s hard). Let it rest for 5 minutes so everything sets up perfectly. Then? Prepare for compliments!
Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
After making this casserole approximately a zillion times (okay, maybe just weekly for the past five years), I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh-my-gosh-can-I-have-the-recipe” amazing:
- Crunch control: Want extra texture? Reserve 1/4 cup of cracker crumbs to sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes of baking
- Rest time matters: Those 5 minutes of cooling aren’t just torture – they let the creamy filling set up perfectly
- Cheese boost: Sometimes I sneak an extra handful of cheese into the chicken mixture – because cheese makes everything better
- Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives at the end adds color and freshness
Remember – recipes are guidelines, not rules! Make it your own. For more recipe ideas and inspiration, feel free to browse my Pinterest boards.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap ingredients – no worries, I’ve got you covered! For the sour cream, Greek yogurt works beautifully (just drain any excess liquid first). Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz – the texture will still be amazing. Don’t have cream of chicken soup? Cream of mushroom or celery makes a fine substitute. And if you’re out of cheddar, any melty cheese like Colby or Monterey Jack will do the trick beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This casserole plays well with others! For the ultimate comfort meal, I love pairing it with buttery mashed potatoes – the creamy duo is pure heaven. Need something lighter? A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. My kids always beg for steamed green beans on the side (who am I to argue with veggie requests?). And if we’re feeling extra fancy? A basket of warm, flaky biscuits never hurts! If you need a biscuit recipe, check out my homemade English muffins recipe for a different kind of baked good!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Here’s the good news – this casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long!). Just cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. When reheating, I always use the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes – the microwave makes the topping sad and soggy. Pro tip: Sprinkle a few fresh cracker crumbs on top before reheating to bring back that irresistible crunch!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole FAQs
I get asked about this casserole constantly – here are the burning questions people always want answered!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Just bake it first, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. The topping might lose some crunch (those Ritz are delicate!), so I like to add fresh crumbs when reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
You bet! Leftover Thanksgiving turkey makes an amazing swap – just shred it the same way. The flavors work beautifully together. Actually, I sometimes make this the day after Thanksgiving with our turkey leftovers – it’s become a new family tradition! For more post-holiday ideas, see my recipe for best leftover turkey casserole.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Any buttery round cracker works in a pinch – Town House or Club crackers are great substitutes. Just avoid anything too thick or crunchy (like saltines), which won’t give you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. And hey – if you’ve got goldfish crackers, those make a fun kid-friendly topping too!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these numbers are estimates since ingredients can vary (I mean, who actually measures that extra handful of cheese?). Per serving, you’re looking at about 380 calories and 18g protein – not bad for something this delicious! Remember, comfort food is about balance – maybe have a salad tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my family’s favorite weeknight lifesaver! This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole never fails to bring everyone running to the table. Give it a try this week and let me know how your crew likes it. I’m willing to bet it’ll become one of those recipes you scribble on an index card and pass down someday – just like my mom did for me!
Print
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy, crunchy chicken casserole made with Ritz crackers for a delicious and easy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and shredded cheese.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the chicken layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American