Ahh, chicken casseroles—they’re the perfect comfort food, aren’t they? This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is your newest obsession for cozy dinners. With its buttery Ritz Cracker topping, creamy, savory filling, and minimal effort prep, it’s destined to become a weeknight favorite! 🍗✨
Whether you’re prepping an easy dinner for the family, needing something quick for a potluck, or craving some nostalgic comfort food, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s super versatile (hello, stuffing mix or rice as add-ins!) and oh-so-drool-worthy. Let’s dive into casserole heaven together, shall we?
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken casserole is about to win your heart! Here’s why:
- Easy Peasy: Throw it together in minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Creamy and Dreamy: The sour cream and cream of chicken soup make the filling ridiculously rich and comforting.
- Butter and Crunch: The golden Ritz Cracker topping adds the perfect buttery crunch you NEED in your life.
- Family-Friendly: Even your picky eaters will ask for seconds (trust me!).
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🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole:
For the Filling:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (Rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream (or substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option!)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or a mix of frozen veggies
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesy goodness)
Recommended Kitchen Tools:
To prepare the Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×13-inch Baking Dish | To assemble and bake the casserole. |
| Mixing Bowls | For mixing the chicken filling and preparing the topping. |
| Measuring Cups | To measure out ingredients like sour cream and chicken soup. |
| Measuring Spoons | For accurately measuring seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper. |
| Can Opener | To open the can of cream of chicken soup. |
| Spatula or Mixing Spoon | For combining and spreading the filling mixture evenly in the baking dish. |
| Rolling Pin (optional) | To crush the Ritz Crackers if you prefer this method for a finer texture. |
| Ziploc Bag (optional) | For easy cracker crushing by placing the crackers inside and rolling over them. |
| Oven Mitts | To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven. |
| Serving Spoon | For serving the casserole once it’s baked. |
Optional Tools:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Food Processor | To quickly crush the Ritz Crackers if you prefer this method. |
| Instant Pot | If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, it can be used to quickly cook and shred chicken. |
Having these tools on hand will streamline your cooking process and help you create a delicious casserole with ease!
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- Easy to Hold: With its double-handled design, the 9×13 rectangular baking dish is easy to carry from the oven or freezer…
🥣 Instructions
Ready to create your creamy masterpiece? Let’s go!
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. ✨
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you’re adding veggies, fold them in here. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. 🐓
- Prepare the Ritz Topping: Place the crushed Ritz Crackers in a medium bowl and pour the melted butter over them. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated. (Optional: Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese here!)
- Layer It Up: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz topping over the chicken mixture, covering it completely. 😍
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then scoop out servings. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal! 🥗
🌟 Tips for Making the Ultimate Chicken Casserole
- Cooked Chicken Shortcut: Save time with a store-bought rotisserie chicken or make shredded chicken in your Instant Pot ahead of time.
- Cracker Crushing Hack: Place the Ritz Crackers in a Ziploc bag and roll over them with a rolling pin for perfectly crushed crackers.
- Elevate the Flavor: Add a pinch of paprika or dried thyme to the cracker topping for a little extra oomph!
🍽 Variations
Make this casserole exactly how YOU like it! Try one of these twists:
- Make it Healthier: Use low-fat sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Add fresh broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Chicken Casserole with Stuffing Mix: Swap Ritz Crackers for Stove Top stuffing mix as the topping.
- Million-Dollar Style: Mix ½ cup cream cheese and ½ cup chopped bacon into the filling!
- Chicken and Rice: Add 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice into the base mixture for a heartier meal.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and a GF cream of chicken soup.
🍴 How to Serve
This casserole shines on its own, but adding a few sides elevates it into a memorable dinner:
- Crispy green beans or roasted broccoli for crunch. 🥦
- A fluffy rice pilaf or mashed potatoes for extra carbs. 🍚
- A light spring mix salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. 🥗
🕰 Make Ahead / Storage Tips
Life gets busy, so here’s how to make this casserole work for you:
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance and store, covered, in the fridge. Add the topping just before baking.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Pop a portion in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-Inch Baking Dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Spatula or mixing spoon
- Rolling pin (optional for crushing crackers)
- Ziploc bag (optional for crushing crackers)
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream or substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas or a mix of frozen veggies
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers about 30 crackers, crushed
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesy goodness
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- If using, fold in the frozen peas or vegetables.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
Prepare the Ritz Topping:
- In a medium bowl, crush the Ritz Crackers until fine.
- Pour the melted butter over the crushed crackers and stir until all crackers are well coated. If desired, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese.
Combine and Bake:
- Evenly spread the buttery Ritz topping over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve warm. Enjoy with your favorite side salad or vegetables.
Video
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months (assemble without topping, then add before baking).
Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with different vegetables, herbs, or even cheese to suit your taste!
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is everything you could ask for in a recipe—it’s soul-warming, easy to throw together, and topped with that irresistible buttery crunch. 😋 Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a dish that wows at family gatherings, this one’s a keeper.
If you make this casserole, let me know how it turned out in the comments below with your gorgeous creations! 💖 Don’t forget to save or pin this recipe for all your cozy dinner needs.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use canned chicken in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While fresh or rotisserie chicken adds the best flavor, canned chicken works great in a pinch.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! Assemble everything (without the Ritz topping) and store it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then add the topping and bake as directed.
Q: What’s the secret to a crunchy topping?
A: Be sure to use enough butter to coat the crackers—this is what gives them that crispy, golden goodness during baking!
Happy cooking! 🥰
Pin & Save For Later: 🖼️ Who else loves casseroles with Ritz Crackers? Save the recipe for your next weeknight win! 📌
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