If you’ve been searching for a comforting dish that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, then the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Each bite offers tender chicken enveloped in a luscious cream of chicken soup blend, all crowned by the buttery, crispy crunch of crushed Ritz crackers. It’s the kind of casserole that feels like a warm hug on a plate and quickly becomes a beloved staple for family dinners or potlucks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden finish. You don’t need anything fancy to create magic in your kitchen with this casserole.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein base that keeps the casserole rich and satisfying.
- Crushed Ritz crackers: They add a buttery, crunchy topping that gets beautifully golden-brown when baked.
- Cream of chicken soup: This creates the creamy, savory sauce that binds everything together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly to add gooey richness and sharp flavor.
- Milk: Loosens the soup just enough for a smooth, creamy casserole filling.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle depth of flavor that brightens the dish.
- Onion powder: Adds a sweet, savory note that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Seasoning salt: Enhances all the flavors with a balanced touch of savory and saltiness.
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), and make sure to grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and to help with easy serving later. This simple prep gets everything ready for your delicious layers of goodness.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken (cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces), cream of chicken soup, and milk until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This is the heart of your casserole, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt into the chicken mixture. This seasoning trio is what really brings out the savory, comforting notes that make this casserole so crave-worthy. Taste and tweak seasonings as you like!
Step 4: Build the Layers
Start by spreading half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This base layer gives a subtle crunch beneath the creamy chicken mixture, adding delightful texture contrast.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Mixture
Pour the creamy chicken mixture over the cracker layer and spread it out evenly. This ensures every portion of the casserole will have the perfect balance of juicy chicken and creamy sauce.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Crunch
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, then finish with the remaining crushed Ritz crackers. The crackers on top will toast up during baking to a golden, buttery crunch that is pure bliss.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, hot filling and a beautifully golden-brown Ritz cracker topping. When it’s ready, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma that promises comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a light fresh note to balance the rich casserole. A few thin slices of ripe avocado on the side can also be a delightful, creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
Because the casserole is rich and filling, pairing it with lighter sides works best. Think crisp green salads with tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or a simple roasted vegetable medley to complete your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can jazz things up by serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming single-portion presentation. Or turn it into a potluck favorite by making it in a large casserole dish to share, inviting everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your family has enjoyed their first helping, cover and refrigerate any leftovers promptly. This casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead for a busy night, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat servings in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping has regained its crunch. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, but you might lose some of that signature Ritz cracker crispness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves you cooking time, making the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe even easier to pull together.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker alternative that has a similar buttery crunch. Make sure your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free for the best results.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Chopped broccoli, peas, or mushrooms work wonderfully stirred into the chicken mixture for some added nutrition and texture.
What cheese works best if I don’t have cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste—each will give a lovely melt and flavor.
How crunchy does the Ritz cracker topping stay after baking?
The topping bakes up deliciously crisp, but it will soften slightly as it cools. For maximum crunch, serve the casserole hot right out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you want a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, simplicity, and incredible flavor all in one dish, you simply must try the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or when you want to treat your loved ones to a home-cooked classic with a special twist. Once you make it, this casserole will likely become a cherished recipe that gets requested time and again!
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
A comforting and easy-to-make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken combined with creamy soup, topped with crispy Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese. This baked casserole is perfect for a family dinner, delivering a crispy, cheesy, and savory flavor in every bite.
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 and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix chicken and cream soup: In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Season the mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt to the chicken mixture. Mix thoroughly and taste to adjust seasonings as needed for your preference.
- Layer Ritz crackers: Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the bottom of the greased baking dish to create a crispy base layer.
- Add chicken mixture: Pour the prepared chicken and soup mixture over the cracker layer, spreading it evenly to cover all the crackers.
- Top with cheese and crackers: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken mixture, then sprinkle the remaining crushed Ritz crackers over the cheese layer for a crispy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, cook and shred the chicken breasts before making the casserole. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning salt based on your preference or dietary needs to control sodium content.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade or low-sodium version for a healthier alternative.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the milk slightly.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
