RITZ CRACKER CHICKEN CASSEROLE

This creamy, comforting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with a velvety sauce and gets topped with buttery crushed crackers for the perfect crunch. It’s become an absolute family favorite in my house – one of those no-fuss recipes that delivers big on flavor without hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinner, this casserole brings everyone to the table!

Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Creamy, comforting filling meets crispy, buttery topping
• Quick to prepare with pre-cooked chicken
• One-dish wonder that feeds the whole family
• Perfect make-ahead meal option
• Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• Guaranteed to please even picky eaters
• Makes fabulous leftovers (if there are any!)

I can’t tell you how many times this casserole has saved dinner at my house! My husband actually declared it his favorite casserole I’ve ever made, which is quite the compliment considering how many casseroles have come out of my kitchen over the years. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and that irresistible Ritz cracker topping creates comfort food magic that’s reminiscent of the cozy pasta dishes everyone loves.

What makes this recipe extra special is how customizable it is. You can keep it simple as written, or jazz it up with add-ins like frozen peas, diced carrots, or even a sprinkle of cheddar cheese mixed throughout. The beauty of casseroles is their flexibility – they’re perfect for using what you have and creating something truly delicious with minimal effort.

The secret to making this recipe extra convenient is preparing your chicken ahead of time. I often cook and shred chicken in batches, storing portions in the freezer so I can whip up this casserole (and other quick meals) without the prep work. Trust me, your future self will thank you for this little bit of planning!

Ingredients Overview

When I first started making this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so delicious! Let me walk you through what you’ll need and why each ingredient makes this dish special:

• Cooked Shredded Chicken – This is the foundation of our casserole. I recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. The pre-seasoned meat adds an extra layer of taste, but you can certainly poach or bake chicken breasts yourself. You’ll need about 3 cups, which is roughly one large rotisserie chicken or 3-4 chicken breasts.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – This gives our casserole that rich, velvety base that ties everything together. The concentrated flavors in the soup create an instant sauce without any fuss. If you’re not a fan, cream of mushroom works beautifully too!
• Sour Cream – This is my secret weapon! It adds tanginess and creaminess that balances the richness of the soup. The acidity cuts through the heaviness, making each bite perfectly balanced. You could substitute Greek yogurt if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Seasonings – I use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These simple spices enhance the chicken without overwhelming it. Feel free to add a pinch of dried thyme or rosemary if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Ritz Crackers – The star of the show! These buttery crackers create the most amazing golden, crispy topping when baked. The slightly sweet, salty crunch contrasts perfectly with the creamy chicken mixture below. You’ll need about 1½ sleeves, crushed but not pulverized.
• Melted Butter – When drizzled over the crackers, butter helps them turn that gorgeous golden brown in the oven. It also adds richness that makes this casserole feel like a special treat, similar to my Marry Me Chicken Pasta that everyone raves about.

Success Tips & Tricks

1. Prep chicken ahead of time! This is my number one time-saver. Whenever I cook chicken, I make extra specifically for recipes like this. Shred it while it’s still warm (it’s much easier), then refrigerate or freeze in portions. This cuts your active prep time down to just minutes!
2. Don’t overmix the chicken mixture. Gentle folding keeps the chicken pieces intact, giving your casserole better texture. Nobody wants mushy chicken!
3. Layer properly for the perfect texture. Make sure your chicken mixture is spread evenly in the baking dish before adding the cracker topping. This ensures every bite has the perfect ratio of creamy filling to crunchy topping.
4. Watch that topping! The butter-soaked crackers can go from perfectly golden to burned quickly. If you notice the top browning too fast but the casserole isn’t heated through, loosely cover with foil for the remaining bake time.
5. Rest before serving. This might be the hardest tip to follow when the aroma fills your kitchen, but letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve perfect portions. I learned this trick from making my Marry Me Chicken Soup – a little patience makes all the difference!
6. Make it your own! While this recipe is perfect as-is, don’t be afraid to customize it. Add a cup of frozen mixed vegetables or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for a complete one-dish meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

There’s something so satisfying about assembling a casserole that you know will bring smiles around the dinner table. This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole comes together in just a few simple steps, but those little details make all the difference in the final result!

Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your casserole is ready to bake.
2. Prepare your baking dish by spraying a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier—trust me!

Mix the Creamy Chicken Base

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked and shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. The chicken should be cooled slightly before mixing.
4. Add your seasonings – I like to include ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. These simple seasonings really elevate the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
5. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and evenly seasoned.

Assemble and Top

6. Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
7. In a separate bowl, combine your crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. I usually use about 1½ sleeves of crackers (about 45 crackers) crushed into coarse pieces, and ¼ cup melted butter. The butter helps the crackers turn beautifully golden and crispy during baking!
8. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Try to get a nice, even coating for that perfect crunch in every bite.

Bake to Golden Perfection

9. Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes serving easier.

When it’s done, you’ll have a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that’s irresistibly creamy underneath! It reminds me of my million dollar chicken casserole but with that special Ritz cracker crunch that everyone loves.

Recipe Variations or Uses

One of my favorite things about this casserole is how versatile it is! Here are some delicious ways to customize it:

Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor

• Vegetable additions: Add ½ cup each of sautéed diced onions and celery to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese please: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of gooey goodness, or sprinkle it on top of the casserole before adding the cracker layer.
• Herb boost: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or dill to brighten the flavors.

Topping Variations

• Cheese and cracker combo: Mix ½ cup grated parmesan with your buttered crackers for an extra savory topping.
• Herbed crackers: Use flavored Ritz crackers like garlic butter or roasted vegetable for an interesting twist.
• Extra crunch: Add ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans to the cracker mixture for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this casserole with simple sides that complement its rich, creamy texture:

• Fresh green salad: The crispness perfectly balances the creamy casserole.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans: A simple vegetable side keeps dinner balanced.
• Cranberry sauce: A spoonful of tangy cranberry sauce adds a wonderful contrast.

If you’re feeling under the weather, this casserole also pairs beautifully with a side of chicken noodle soup for the ultimate comfort food combo.

Make Ahead and Leftovers

This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it (without the cracker topping) up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Just add the cracker topping right before baking.

Leftover casserole makes a fantastic next-day lunch. I sometimes use leftovers to create a whole new meal by wrapping them in tortillas or mixing with cooked pasta – similar to how I repurpose my marry me shrimp pasta into new dishes.

For a fun twist, use leftovers as a filling for baked potatoes topped with a little extra cheese – it’s like dinner recycled into an entirely new meal!

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole has saved dinner at my house more times than I can count! There’s something magical about that combination of creamy chicken filling and buttery cracker topping that makes everyone at the table happy. It’s one of those reliable recipes that never lets me down, even on the busiest nights.

What I love most is how flexible this dish is – whether you’re feeding picky eaters or gourmet food lovers, it somehow pleases everyone. It’s become such a staple in our home that my kids get excited when they smell it baking in the oven. If you’re looking for more easy family meals, my breakfast casserole uses similar techniques but is perfect for morning meals!

I hope this casserole brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it does to mine. If you give it a try, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative twists you might have added to make it your own. Happy baking, friends!