If you love comforting, creamy casseroles with a delightful crunchy topping, then you are going to adore this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe. It combines tender chicken, a rich and savory sauce, and that irresistible buttery Ritz cracker crust that adds just the right amount of crisp texture to every bite. This recipe is so simple yet packed with homey, satisfying flavors that make it a go-to dish for weeknights or casual family gatherings. Once you try this casserole, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in making this casserole both creamy and crunchy, with balanced savory flavors and a beautiful golden topping.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up all the delicious flavors in the casserole.
- Crushed Ritz crackers: The secret to that buttery, crunchy crust everyone will rave about.
- Cream of chicken soup: Provides a rich, creamy texture and savory depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds cheesy goodness and creates a golden melt on top.
- Milk: Lightens up the soup mixture for a smooth, luscious filling.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with subtle warmth and aroma.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild, slightly sweet savory note.
- Seasoning salt: Enhances all flavors and ties the dish together perfectly.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a large baking dish thoroughly to ensure the casserole won’t stick and will come out cleanly once baked.
Step 2: Combine the Chicken and Creamy Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup and milk. This blend creates a smooth, flavorful base that keeps the chicken moist and tender throughout baking.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt, then stir well. These spices layer in those classic savory flavors that make this dish so comforting and delicious. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasoning at this stage to make it your own.
Step 4: Layer the Ritz Crackers
Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This first layer creates a crunchy foundation for the casserole and helps absorb some of the creamy mixture’s moisture.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Mixture
Pour the chicken and soup mixture over the cracker layer and spread it evenly so every bite is packed with creamy chicken goodness.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Remaining Crackers
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture for a luscious, melty topping, then finish by spreading the remaining crushed Ritz crackers on top for that signature crispiness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the Ritz cracker topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. This bake time ensures every layer melds together perfectly.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can brighten up the casserole’s rich flavors and add a pop of welcoming green on top. Sprinkling a little extra cheddar cheese just before serving also amps up the cheesy appeal.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully versatile with sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon or vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for added freshness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish so everyone can help themselves to heaping portions. Alternatively, portion it out onto individual plates and garnish with a drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of cranberry sauce for a fun twist that adds tang and balances the creamy textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family has enjoyed this fantastic casserole, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it; wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes or bake the whole casserole at 350°F until heated through and the topping regains its crispness. This ensures your leftovers taste nearly as good as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds deliciously seasoned flavor to your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe without extra effort.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for slight flavor variations, but cream of chicken soup gives the most classic taste.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, buttery breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers like saltines can work, but Ritz crackers provide that signature buttery crunch that’s hard to beat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the Ritz crackers and cream of chicken soup. However, you could substitute gluten-free crackers and use a gluten-free cream soup alternative to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I add vegetables into the casserole?
Definitely! Mix in some cooked broccoli florets, peas, or diced carrots before baking to sneak in veggies and add extra color and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that warms your heart and pleases your taste buds all at once. Its creamy chicken filling paired with that iconic buttery, crunchy topping creates a comforting meal that gets better with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole will soon become a cherished classic in your kitchen. Don’t wait to make it your own and share the joy of this easy, delicious recipe!
Print
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender shredded chicken baked in a creamy soup mixture, topped with crunchy crushed Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it delivers a delicious blend of textures and flavors in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp seasoning salt
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken and Soup: In a bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken breasts with the cream of chicken soup and milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt to the chicken mixture, stirring well. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired for optimal flavor.
- Layer Crackers: Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crispy base layer.
- Add Chicken Mixture: Pour the creamy chicken mixture over the cracker layer and spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Top with Cheese and Crackers: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken layer, then top with the remaining crushed Ritz crackers to add a crunchy golden topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is bubbly, golden brown, and cooked through.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or celery to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Use cooked and shredded chicken breasts from a rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a cheese blend or mozzarella for a different taste.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
