Published on
Last updated on
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Loaded with creamy chicken and a buttery cracker topping, this delicious Ritz cracker chicken casserole is the perfect choice for dinner on busy weeknights.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
This absolutely delicious Ritz cracker chicken casserole is so good, you’ll be licking your plate clean! Made with chicken blended with a creamy sauce and topped with buttery Ritz crackers before being baked, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Ritz Chicken Casserole Ingredients
This dish boasts a perfect combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and is topped off with the crunch of buttery Ritz crackers.
One bite, and you’re bound to be hooked on the tangy and juicy taste of this casserole. You’ll be left wondering why you haven’t been making this dish all along.
You’ll need:
- 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken with herbs soup
- ¾ cup of sour cream
- ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 cups of rotisserie chicken, diced into ¾ to 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups of crushed Ritz crackers
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
PRO TIP:
I like to buy the Ritz cracker Fresh Stacks, so the extras don’t go stale once the individual sleeve has been opened.
I used three of the shorter fresh stack sleeves of Ritz crackers to yield the two cups needed for cracker crumbs in this recipe.
Ritz Chicken Substitutions And Additions
ROTISSERIE CHICKEN: Rotisserie chicken from big box grocery stores tends to be much larger than the ones from the local grocery store.
Typically, one large rotisserie chicken will yield the three cups needed for this recipe if using all the breast and thigh meat.
If your chickens are on the smaller side, you may need two of them.
You could also make your own whole chicken in the air fryer to use for this recipe.
CHICKEN: You can also use two large, skinless, boneless chicken breasts that have either been roasted or baked. Our baked chicken recipe is easy and tasty.
Alternatively, you could use baked chicken thighs in this recipe as well.
Allow them to cool completely before cutting them into pieces. The chicken breasts will dice up so much easier.
TURKEY: If you’d prefer, you can use turkey in this recipe. Our Instant Pot turkey breast recipe is an easy way to make it.
CREAM SOUP: If you can not find the cream of chicken with herbs soup, you can use a standard can of cream of chicken soup in this easy chicken casserole.
I suggest adding about a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to the soup mixture for extra flavor.
VEGETABLES: You can add one cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Thaw first and then add to the soup and chicken mixture before adding it to the casserole dish.
This is an excellent way of adding delicious vegetables to this quick and easy meal.
How to Make Ritz Chicken
Making this casserole is simple. You will mix up the casserole ingredients in a bowl before spreading it in a casserole dish and baking until bubbling.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You can prepare the filling of this creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole up to eight hours ahead.
You will need to store the filling in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, before transferring to the baking dish.
Then you can top it with the Ritz cracker crumbs and bake.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place an 8×8-inch casserole dish onto a rimmed baking tray. Set aside.
STEP TWO: In a large mixing bowl, add the cream of chicken with herb soup, sour cream, low-sodium chicken broth, seasoning salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Stir until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
STEP THREE: Fold the diced cooked chicken into the soup mixture.
Be careful not to break up the pieces of chicken too much.
STEP FOUR: Transfer the chicken casserole filling to the casserole dish. Smooth the top to make an even layer.
STEP FIVE: Stir the crushed crackers and melted butter in a medium bowl.
PRO TIP:
To crush the Ritz crackers quickly and easily, put them in a large ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to turn them into cracker crumbs.
STEP SIX: Evenly coat the entire top of the casserole with the cracker crumbs.
STEP SEVEN: Bake the Ritz cracker chicken casserole for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
You will want to allow your casserole to cool for five minutes before serving.
PRO TIP:
Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your casserole at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
What To Serve With Chicken Casserole (Ritz)
Busy nights just got easier with this delicious and creamy casserole.
For a few great side dishes, check out our green bean casserole or simple sauteed veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Add a batch of warm, buttery dinner rolls to mop up all the leftover sauce on your plate.
Love easy chicken casserole recipes? Our Doritos cheesy chicken casserole and jalapeño popper chicken pasta casserole are two of our favorites.
MORE CASSEROLE RECIPES
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Storage
This dish is a great make-ahead option. Whip up a batch and store it in the freezer until you are ready to enjoy it.
MAKE AHEAD: You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it.
When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before following the baking instructions.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover chicken casserole in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for four to five days.
IN THE FREEZER: This Ritz chicken casserole can be frozen for up to three months. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
REHEATING: When you’re ready to enjoy your Ritz cracker chicken casserole again, you have a few options for reheating.
- OVEN: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen or refrigerated casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake until heated through. For refrigerated portions, this may take about 20-30 minutes, while frozen portions may require 45-60 minutes.
- MICROWAVE: For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. If reheating a single serving, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes if it’s from the fridge or 3-4 minutes if it’s frozen. Be sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters.
Why We Love This Recipe
COMFORTING FLAVORS: The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery Ritz cracker topping offers a comforting and familiar taste that’s reminiscent of home-cooked meals.
EASE OF PREPARATION: It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
BUDGET FRIENDLY: With affordable ingredients that are often pantry staples, it’s a cost-effective choice for feeding a family or a group of hungry guests.
Ritz Chicken Casserole Is Comfort Food At Its Finest!
This yummy Ritz cracker chicken casserole dish is bound to be a family favorite. The simple ingredients of tender, hearty chicken and creamy sauce, along with the crunch of Ritz crackers, create the ultimate comfort food goodness.
Ritz Cracker Chicken FAQs
What is the best chicken to use in this Ritz cracker casserole recipe?
The chicken and Ritz casserole works well with leftover rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts or thighs, or even leftover turkey.
Can I make this easy recipe ahead of time?
This creamy chicken casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal.
Prepare and assemble it in the casserole dish and put it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
Can I freeze this creamy chicken casserole?
This dish can be frozen for up to three months. Make sure to thaw completely before heating it up.
How many Ritz are in a sleeve?
One sleeve of Ritz crackers contains 37 crackers.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Sloppy Joe Pie
- Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
- Cowboy Pasta Salad
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Slow Cooker Tuscan Soup
Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Loaded with creamy chicken and a buttery cracker topping, this delicious Ritz cracker chicken casserole is the perfect choice for dinner on busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken with herbs soup, I used Campbell’s brand
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon season salt, I used Lowry’s brand
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, diced into ¾ to 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place an 8×8-inch casserole dish onto a rimmed baking tray. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken with herb soup, sour cream, low-sodium chicken broth, season salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Fold the diced rotisserie chicken into the soup mixture. Be careful not to break up the pieces of chicken too much.
- Transfer the chicken casserole filling to the casserole dish. Smooth the top to make an even layer.
- Stir the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a medium bowl.
- Evenly coat the entire surface of the casserole with the cracker crumbs.
- Bake the Ritz cracker chicken casserole for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- I like to buy the Ritz cracker Fresh Stacks, so the extras don’t go stale once the individual sleeve has been opened. I used three of the shorter fresh stack sleeves of Ritz crackers to yield the 2 cups needed for cracker crumbs in this recipe.
- You can prepare the filling of this creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole up to 8 hours ahead. You will need to store the filling in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, before transferring to the baking dish and topping it with the Ritz cracker crumbs, and baking.
- To crush the Ritz crackers quickly and easily, put them in a large ziplock bag and use a rolling pin to turn them into cracker crumbs.
- Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your casserole at the lower end of the recommended baking time.
Nutrition
Calories: 782kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 247mg | Sodium: 2009mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 930IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 2mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Comments
Connie says
Made this today for a family gathering and everyone gave it 5 stars! This was the best version yet. I used a rotisserie chicken and left the skin on as I chopped the chicken up. It added such amazing flavor to the casserole!
Lalsonflwr says
I have made this for years! The only exception is I put Ritz crackers on the bottom as well dotted with butter. So yummy! It was a regular rotation when my kids were young.