This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate easy weeknight meal. It’s a foolproof comfort food classic, combining creamy shredded chicken and a savory sauce under a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Ready in under an hour with just a few simple ingredients!
What is Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a beloved American comfort food dish. It features a simple, creamy base made from shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. The mixture is baked in a dish and famously topped with a layer of crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter, which creates a distinctively rich and crunchy golden crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Made with simple pantry staples and requires only 15 minutes of prep time.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, savory, and topped with a crunchy, buttery crust—it’s pure satisfaction.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: A guaranteed hit for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Ideal for meal prep. Assemble it ahead of time or freeze a batch for a future meal.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- rolling pin or food processor (to crush crackers)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie preferred)
- 2 cans (10.75 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat preferred)
- 1 sleeve (~35) Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Fold in shredded chicken until coated.
- Spread chicken mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
- Crush Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. Toss with melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over chicken filling. Bake 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole Filling:
- Cooked Chicken (4 cups, shredded): A rotisserie chicken is the fastest and most flavorful option. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken or poach/bake 2 lbs of chicken breasts or thighs.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (2 cans, 10.75 oz each): This creates the savory, creamy base. Campbell’s is the classic choice.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Use full-fat sour cream for the best texture and tangy flavor that balances the richness.
For the Cracker Topping:
- Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve, ~35 crackers): The signature ingredient! Their buttery, salty flavor is essential for the classic taste.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Use real, unsalted butter to bind the crackers and help them brown into a perfect golden crust.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Prep: 15 mins ● Cook: 35 mins ● Total: 50 mins
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. Gently fold in the 4 cups of shredded chicken until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
Crush the sleeve of Ritz crackers. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin, or by pulsing them a few times in a food processor. You want a mix of coarse crumbs and small pieces for the best texture. In a separate bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the 4 tablespoons of melted butter until fully coated.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s a huge time-saver and is already seasoned and tender, adding more flavor to the dish.
- Don’t Over-Crush the Crackers: Leave some larger pieces for a satisfying crunch and textural contrast.
- Full-Fat is Best: For the creamiest, richest result, use full-fat sour cream. Low-fat versions can sometimes separate or result in a thinner sauce.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling vigorously and the topping is a deep golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out hot.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of steamed frozen peas and carrots or sautéed mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost.
- Cheesy Version: Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for an even richer, cheesier casserole.
- Add Some Spice: For a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with your favorite crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the crackers with crushed pork rinds mixed with grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious low-carb topping.
What to Serve With It
This rich casserole pairs perfectly with simple sides that balance its creaminess.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli
- A fresh Garden Salad with Vinaigrette
- Roasted Asparagus or Brussels Sprouts
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Following proper food safety guidelines from the USDA ensures your leftovers are safe and delicious.
- To Store: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze (Make-Ahead): Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the fresh topping, and bake as directed (you may need to add 5-10 minutes).
- To Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. Covering with foil prevents the topping from browning further. You can also microwave individual portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I assemble this casserole the night before?
A: Yes! Assemble the filling in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Prepare the cracker topping and store it in a separate airtight container at room temperature. Add the topping just before baking.
Q: What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
A: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are great substitutes. You can also make a homemade version by creating a simple roux with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth.
Q: Why is my casserole watery?
A: This can happen if the chicken releases too much moisture. To prevent this, make sure your cooked chicken is well-drained and pat it dry if it seems overly wet. Also, ensure you bake it until it’s fully bubbly and set.
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: It’s not recommended. This recipe is designed for pre-cooked chicken, as the baking time is not long enough to cook raw chicken to a safe temperature (165°F).
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