If you’re craving a comfort food classic that’s both incredibly simple and irresistibly delicious, then this Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining tender chicken, creamy soup, and that perfectly buttery, crunchy topping, this casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends with minimal effort, this recipe is pure magic with a golden Ritz cracker crust that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list straightforward is part of what makes this recipe such a winner. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in the casserole—creamy, savory, and with just the right amount of crispiness on top.
- 4 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, this is the hearty protein base that makes the dish filling and satisfying.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup: Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup works great here for that smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream: Full-fat is best to add creaminess and a little tang that balances the casserole beautifully.
- 3/4 tsp onion powder: A subtle layer of savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A hint of garlic brings out warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential to enhance all the ingredients and bring everything together.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Adds a little kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/4 tsp paprika: Not just for color, paprika adds a mild smokiness and a pop of warmth.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers: Preferably the classic buttery kind, these create the iconic crunchy topping everyone raves about.
- 7 tbsp butter: Melted and slightly cooled to mix with the crackers, ensuring the topping crisps to golden perfection.
How to Make Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by combining your cooked chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. Stir everything thoroughly until you have a creamy, well-seasoned mixture. This blend is the heart of your casserole, packed with comforting flavors and creamy richness.
Step 2: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the chicken mixture evenly into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Spreading it out smoothly ensures even baking and that every bite has the same delightful consistency.
Step 3: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
Place the Ritz crackers into a large Ziploc bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin until you achieve coarse crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a mixing bowl and add the melted butter, stirring until all crumbs are evenly coated. This buttery mixture is going to form that signature golden, crunchy crust that tops off the casserole beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in your baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The result? A perfect marriage of creamy chicken and a buttery, crunchy crust.
How to Serve Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the casserole. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top can be a nice touch too.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light and bright sides such as a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon. Roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes also complement the creamy texture of the casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve this casserole right in the baking dish to keep things warm and inviting. Alternatively, to jazz it up for guests, plate individual servings garnished with microgreens and a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld more overnight making leftovers even tastier — just be sure to reheat properly.
Freezing
This Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes well before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover thoroughly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping regains its crispness. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning if needed during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this casserole?
Yes, canned chicken can be a convenient alternative, but make sure to drain it well. Freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken usually offers better texture and flavor for this recipe.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream substitute. Use a vegan buttery spread for the topping to keep things allergy-friendly.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
You can! Adding cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms can add color, flavor, and nutrition. Just mix the veggies into the chicken mixture before baking.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, buttery bread crumbs, crushed saltines, or even crushed pretzels can work well as a topping to give you that desired crunch.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Try mixing in some diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or topping with a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly a gem that deserves a spot in your recipe box. It’s quick to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and has that classic crunch everyone loves. Give it a try the next time you want an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal—it just might become one of your all-time favorites.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender cooked chicken baked under a buttery Ritz cracker topping. With simple pantry ingredients like cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and fragrant spices, this casserole comes together quickly for a hearty family meal that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (Campbell’s recommended)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat for best results)
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 7 tbsp butter (melted and slightly cooled)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Create the chicken mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded or diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Prepare cracker topping: Place the Ritz crackers in a large zip-top plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Pour the melted butter into the bag and toss to evenly coat the cracker crumbs with butter.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top for a golden crunchy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and low-sodium cream of chicken soup.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if preferred.
- Adding shredded cheese to the chicken mixture or on top before the cracker topping adds extra richness and flavor.
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free buttery crackers.
