Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Looking for a cozy, family-friendly dish that’s easy to whip up and absolutely satisfying? This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its finest. With juicy shredded chicken, a creamy filling, and a buttery, golden Ritz cracker topping, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something warm and hearty.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – Just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Family Favorite – Even picky eaters will love it.
Perfect for Leftovers – Great way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Irresistible Crunch – The buttery Ritz cracker topping takes it over the top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1½ sleeves Ritz crackers (about 45 crackers), crushed
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Saucepan (optional, if prepping homemade chicken)
• Spatula or large spoon
• Foil (for baking, if desired)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Filling In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are well-coated.

Step 5: Add the Cracker Topping Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling. Press down gently to help the topping stick.

Step 6: Bake Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with dried parsley if using, and serve hot.

Tips for Best Results
Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds extra flavor.
Don’t Overbake – Bake just until bubbling and golden to keep it creamy.
Add Veggies – Stir in cooked peas, corn, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Make it Lighter – Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese if desired.
Crush Crackers by Hand – Use a zip-top bag and rolling pin for best texture.

Serving Suggestions
Green Beans or Steamed Broccoli – Adds freshness and color to your plate.
Mashed Potatoes – For an extra comforting meal.
Simple Side Salad – A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Dinner Rolls – Perfect for scooping up every last bite.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool, then cover with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered with foil at 350°F until hot, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned chicken?
   Yes, you can substitute canned chicken in a pinch. Drain well and shred before using.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking.
3. Is there a dairy-free version?
   You can use dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and a dairy-free condensed soup alternative for a lactose-free option.
4. What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
   Buttery club crackers, crushed cornflakes, or even Panko breadcrumbs can work as substitutes.
5. Can I add rice or noodles?
   Yes! Stir in 1 to 2 cups of cooked rice or pasta for a more filling dish.

Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and topped with a deliciously crunchy layer. It’s easy enough for weeknights but satisfying enough to bring to gatherings and potlucks. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy with your family, this casserole checks every box.

Give it a try and see why it’s a classic favorite in so many kitchens. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on social media!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 24g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 780mg

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