Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-comforting, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Tender chunks of chicken are mixed with a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with a golden layer of buttery Ritz crackers for the ultimate crunchy finish. It’s simple, hearty, and sure to be requested again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Just mix, layer, and bake—no fuss involved.
Creamy & Crunchy – Rich chicken filling topped with buttery crackers.
Kid-Friendly – Familiar flavors that everyone will love.
Versatile – Great way to use up rotisserie chicken or leftovers.
Comfort Food Classic – Tastes like a warm hug in casserole form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried (optional for color)

For the Topping:
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional Add-ins:
1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
½ cup cooked rice or egg noodles (for a heartier casserole)
¼ cup diced cooked onions or celery

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula or spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and parsley.
Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.
Add any optional ingredients here if using (veggies, rice, etc.).

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until coated.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
Serve warm with a side salad, roasted veggies, or dinner rolls.

Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds flavor.
Don’t Overbake – Just enough time to heat through and crisp the top.
Crush Crackers Lightly – You want texture, not cracker dust.
Double the Crunch – Add half the topping halfway through baking for extra crispiness.
Customize It – Add a touch of hot sauce, ranch seasoning, or bacon bits for a twist.

Serving Suggestions
With Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or carrots pair perfectly.
Over Rice or Noodles – Stretch the casserole into more servings.
Alongside a Salad – A crisp green salad balances the creamy dish.
With Biscuits – Southern-style sides make it even more comforting.
Holiday Leftovers – Swap in leftover turkey or ham for a post-holiday twist.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until warm.
Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other cream soups?
   Yes—cream of mushroom, celery, or even cheddar soup works well.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking.
3. Is this freezer-friendly?
   Yes! Freeze before or after baking—just leave off the cracker topping until ready to bake or reheat.
4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
   Yes, use full-fat Greek yogurt for similar creaminess and tang.
5. What type of cheese works best?
   Cheddar is classic, but you can use Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend for variety.

Final Thoughts
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, satisfying, and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a family, preparing a make-ahead meal, or taking a dish to share, this casserole delivers cozy flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to share your version and leave a review—I’d love to hear how it turned out.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – yields 6):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 670mg

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