Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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On chilly evenings or during busy weeks, there’s nothing more comforting—or universally loved—than a bubbling casserole fresh from the oven.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole has been a beloved staple in family kitchens for generations, renowned for its creamy, rich texture and signature buttery crunch on top. With its creamy filling, savory chicken, and golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping, this dish checks all the boxes for nostalgic comfort food while being easy enough for any night of the week. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—not just how to make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, but how to serve it, customize it, and ensure it becomes a staple in your own home. Let’s get ready to dig into this classic and discover why it holds a special spot on so many dinner tables.

Why You’ll Love Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Effortlessly easy to prepare—perfect for beginner cooks and busy families alike.
• Ultra creamy and flavorful with a delightfully buttery, crisp Ritz cracker topping.
• Requires minimal, pantry-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Crowd-pleasing and kid-approved; even picky eaters love this dish!
• Flexible for meal prep, potlucks, leftovers, or assembling ahead of time.
• Customizable with endless ingredient additions or substitutions for every palate.

Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

When you’re ready to make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, you’ll find the ingredient list is short, simple, and budget-friendly. Each component plays a crucial role—delivering incredible texture and flavor that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Tender, juicy chicken is the hearty foundation. You can use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for extra convenience.

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Essential for bringing out all the delicious flavors.

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

The star of the show! These iconic, buttery crackers transform into a crunchy golden topping.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Adds a subtle nutty, savory depth and melds beautifully with the creamy layer.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Ensures the topping bakes to golden perfection with a rich finish.

• 1 cup sour cream

Gives the filling its luxurious creaminess and slight tang.

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

Classic base for old-school casseroles; adds creamy texture and binding.

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Infuses the casserole with even more savory flavor and keeps it moist.

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Offers a hit of brightness and color as a finishing garnish.

These everyday staples come together to create the ultimate in creamy, cozy comfort.

Necessary Tools

Making Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole doesn’t require anything fancy—just a few standard kitchen tools will set you up for casserole success. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl

For tossing together the creamy filling ingredients and chicken.

• Medium mixing bowl

To combine the Ritz crackers, Parmesan, and melted butter for your topping.

• Cutting board and knife

For prepping the chicken if you aren’t using pre-cooked or shredded.

• Measuring cups and spoons

Essential for accurate measuring, especially for liquids and seasonings.

• 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size)

The perfect vessel for assembling and baking your casserole evenly.

• Aluminum foil

Useful if you want to prevent over-browning while baking.

• Spoon or spatula

For mixing and smoothing the casserole layers.

• Oven mitts

For safely transferring your casserole to and from the oven.

• Serving spoon

To dish up hearty, satisfying portions straight from the oven.

With just these few tools, you’re well-equipped to assemble, bake, and serve this crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

One of the best things about Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is its incredible flexibility. Whether you’re adapting to dietary restrictions, what you have on hand, or just want to mix things up for variety, here are some creative tweaks and time-honored swaps to inspire your next bake:

Chicken Substitutes:
If you don’t have chicken breasts or want to use leftovers, substitute with:

• Rotisserie chicken, shredded (saves prep time and adds flavor)
• Chicken thighs (juicier and even more tender)
• Turkey (great for post-holiday leftovers)
• Tofu or chickpeas (for a vegetarian twist—just increase the seasoning for extra flavor)

Soup Variations:
Change up the creamy base by using:

• Cream of mushroom soup for earthiness
• Cream of celery for a lighter herb flavor
• Cream of cheddar for added cheesiness

Dairy Options:
Tailor the creaminess by swapping:

• Greek yogurt for sour cream (adds protein and tang)
• Plain yogurt or a plant-based alternative for those with lactose sensitivities

Flavor Boosters:
Elevate your casserole with a few extras:

• Add 1-2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, or green beans)
• Stir in sautéed onions, mushrooms, or garlic for depth
• Mix in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for extra cheesiness
• A splash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard for subtle heat

Topping Alternatives:
No Ritz crackers? Try out these alternatives:

• Buttery Club crackers or Town House crackers
• Panko or regular breadcrumbs mixed with butter
• Crushed cornflakes or potato chips for a unique crunch
• Gluten-free crackers if needed

Herbs & Spices:
Customizing the seasoning is easy:

• Mix in Italian seasoning, dried thyme, paprika, or garlic powder
• Finish with fresh chives, green onions, or dill

These swaps mean you never have to compromise on flavor—even when improvising!

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

With its easy steps and minimal prep, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole can be on your dinner table in under an hour. The process is straightforward and very beginner-friendly. Let’s walk through the steps so you can enjoy that first, irresistible bite.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cooking the chicken breasts if they aren’t already cooked. Season both sides with salt and pepper. You can poach them in lightly salted water, bake at 375°F (190°C) until juices run clear (about 20-25 minutes), or use leftover/rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until well-blended. Add the cooked chicken to this mixture, ensuring each piece is coated in creamy goodness.

Step 3: Assemble the Base

Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly, preparing it for the glorious topping.

Step 4: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping

Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers until you have coarse crumbs—either in a zip-top bag or in a bowl with your hands. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and moistened.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in your casserole dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herby flavor. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this comforting classic!

Serving Suggestions

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole truly shines as the star of any meal, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. To create a well-rounded, comforting dinner, try serving it with:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables: Think green beans, broccoli, or carrots for color and nutrition.
• Classic mashed potatoes or creamy rice: The perfect base to soak up any extra sauce.
• A fresh garden salad: Add brightness with crisp greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• Fluffy dinner rolls or crusty artisan bread: For mopping up every last creamy bite.

For special occasions or potlucks, serve the casserole family-style with a big salad and all your favorite go-to sides. Whatever you choose, you’ll have a meal packed with cozy flavors and happy faces at the table.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Shred the chicken while it’s still warm—it’s much easier and results in more tender pieces.
• For an extra-decadent casserole, double up on the Ritz cracker topping.
• If you want a cheesy flair, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella atop the crackers during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• For more crunch, reserve half the Ritz topping to add in the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Ensure your filling isn’t too thick or too thin; adjust with extra chicken broth for a saucier casserole or reduce for a firmer set.
• Fresh herbs—like parsley or thyme—can be stirred into the filling for even more flavor.
• Let your casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making serving easier and neater.
• Double the recipe and freeze one for busy nights—they’re perfect for make-ahead meal planning.

With these expert tips, you’ll always keep your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole flavorful, golden, and picture-perfect.

Storage Instructions

One of the bonuses of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is how well it keeps for leftovers—making it an excellent choice for meal prep. To store:

• Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The topping may soften, but the flavors will develop even more.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered loosely with foil until hot (about 20 minutes), or microwave portions for quick lunches. For a crispier topping, broil for 2-3 minutes after reheating in the oven.
• Freeze unbaked or fully baked, wrapped tightly, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

With a little planning, you can always have comfort food ready for busy nights or unexpected company.

General Information

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate example of classic American casserole culture—bringing together simple, affordable pantry ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. Originating from mid-century kitchens and evolving through generations, this casserole exemplifies the spirit of home cooking: easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to please. It’s long been popular at holidays, potlucks, and weeknight dinners, thanks to both its big flavor and ease of assembly. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned pro, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a delicious reminder that the most memorable meals are often those made with love, sharing, and just a handful of everyday staples.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a major timesaver and imparts extra flavor. Just shred or chop it, then proceed with the recipe as written.

Is there a gluten-free option for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?

Yes, simply substitute gluten-free butter crackers or breadcrumbs in place of Ritz crackers, and ensure your soup and broth are also gluten-free.

Can I make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, covered. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.

What’s the best way to crush Ritz crackers?

For the perfect topping, place crackers in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy can, or pulse briefly in a food processor for more even crumbs.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes you can! Freeze before or after baking, tightly covered, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with homemade white sauce (béchamel) seasoned with chicken bouillon, or use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for delicious variations.

Why is my casserole runny?

This often happens if there’s too much liquid in the filling or if the casserole hasn’t baked long enough. Next time, use a little less broth, or bake uncovered a bit longer for a firmer fill.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Stir in frozen peas, carrots, corn, or cooked broccoli for extra color, texture, and nutrition.

Conclusion

There’s a reason Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a treasured favorite—a creamy, savory filling topped with irresistible buttery crunch, it’s comfort food at its best. Whether you need a fast weeknight dinner, a cozy meal for friends, or the perfect potluck contribution, this casserole never fails to bring warmth and smiles to the table. Try it your way and make it a tradition in your home, too!

Nutritional Information

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and features a rich, creamy sauce and crunchy topping. Each serving (based on 8 servings per recipe) provides an estimated:

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 22-25g
• Fat: 19-22g (mainly from the butter, sour cream, and crackers)
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 700-900mg, depending on the soup and broth used

For a lighter version, opt for low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and homemade soup or broth to better control sodium. And as always, adding veggies increases bulk and nutrition! This satisfying casserole offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience, so enjoy every delicious, creamy, crunchy bite.

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