If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and that irresistible crispy Ritz cracker topping that adds just the right crunch. Whether you’re feeding the family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole balances simple ingredients with big, satisfying flavor, making it an absolute favorite in many kitchens, including mine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that together create a symphony of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. Each item has its role—chicken for hearty protein, creamy soup and sour cream for lusciousness, spices for depth, and buttery Ritz crackers for the perfect golden crust.
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken: Using cooked chicken makes this casserole easy and protein-packed; rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This adds savory creaminess and binds the ingredients together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and a velvety texture that keeps the casserole moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle, aromatic punch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers: The star of the topping; their buttery flavor and crispness create the perfect crunchy finish.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Coats the cracker crumbs so they brown beautifully and taste rich.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, colorful touch that brightens up the plate.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously to ensure that the casserole won’t stick and will come out effortlessly once it’s baked and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring every bite will be full of flavor and creaminess.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture Evenly
Pour this rich chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This even layer will help it cook uniformly and sets the perfect base for your delicious Ritz topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
Take the sleeve of Ritz crackers and crush them into fine crumbs—using your hands or a zip-top bag with a rolling pin works great. Then, pour the melted butter over the crumbs, mixing until every bit is coated with that golden buttery goodness.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the buttery crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the chicken mixture. This step is where the casserole transforms, promising a crispy, golden texture on top that perfectly contrasts the creamy layers beneath.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place your dish in the oven uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling happily underneath.
Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short pause helps set the textures for easier serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like, adding a touch of color and freshness, then dish it out while warm.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While parsley is the classic choice for a fresh green pop, feel free to sprinkle some shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or even a light drizzle of hot sauce to customize it. These little touches elevate the presentation and flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. The light freshness from veggies balances the casserole’s richness, while potatoes soak up any extra sauce, making every bite delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions. Or, layer some fresh sliced tomatoes on top before the cracker crumb topping for a pop of color and slight acidity. Either way, it makes an inviting centerpiece for your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe stays flavorful and moist for 3 to 4 days—perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking to save time on a busy day. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F until warm and crispy again. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven revives the cracker topping’s crunch better, making it almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful choice that works perfectly for the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe, saving prep time and boosting taste.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade touch, you can use a homemade creamy chicken sauce or a low-sodium canned alternative to control flavors and salt levels perfectly.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, buttery breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers are good alternatives, though Ritz provide a unique buttery crunch that’s hard to beat.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Unfortunately, Ritz crackers contain gluten, so this recipe isn’t gluten-free as is. However, you can try gluten-free buttery crackers for a similar effect.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Consider using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and opt for reduced-fat cream of chicken soup. Adding vegetables like spinach or peas to the chicken mixture can boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly a gem that blends simplicity with irresistible flavor and texture. It’s a dish that warms hearts and satisfies appetites, making it a go-to in my kitchen and, hopefully, yours too. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy soup and sour cream, topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers for a crispy golden finish. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole bakes to bubbly perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Chicken Base: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until the mixture is evenly smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers into small pieces and mix them thoroughly with the melted butter so each cracker crumb is coated with butter.
- Top Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken casserole, creating a crispy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- The parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice fresh color and flavor contrast.
- Ensure the crackers are crushed into small pieces to create a crisp topping that browns evenly.
