Easy Homestyle Chicken & Ritz Crackers Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible crispy chicken casserole that packs creamy textures and crunchy ritz cracker topping.

Golden-brown layers promise a delightful dining experience sure to satisfy hearty appetites.

Tender chicken nestles beneath a buttery, crisp cracker crust that adds unexpected crunch to every bite.

The blend of simple ingredients creates a dish that speaks to classic home cooking traditions.

Melted cheese and seasoned chicken combine in a harmonious mix that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you serve this crowd-pleasing casserole.

This recipe guarantees smiles and second helpings at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Shredded Chicken: Core protein foundation that brings hearty flavor and satisfying texture to the casserole, best when using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum tenderness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy binding element that adds rich depth and helps create smooth, luxurious consistency in the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Tangy companions that contribute velvety richness and sharp, comforting flavor profile, select full-fat versions for maximum decadence.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning trio that elevates the entire dish's taste complexity, freshly ground black pepper offers more robust flavor.

• Ritz Crackers, Butter: Signature crunchy layer providing irresistible golden-brown texture and buttery complement to the creamy chicken base, crush crackers just before mixing for maximum crispness.

Tools For A Crunchy Chicken Casserole Finish

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining chicken and creamy ingredients smoothly.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing Ritz cracker topping with melted butter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese grater: Helpful if using block cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Sharp knife: Useful for chopping parsley and shredding chicken if needed.

Steps To Bake Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Fire Up the Oven

Warm your kitchen to a cozy 350°F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Whip Together the Chicken Magic

Toss shredded chicken, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, sharp cheese, and a sprinkle of seasonings into a mixing bowl. Stir until everything hugs together perfectly.

• Create Your Casserole Canvas

Spread the chicken mixture across your prepared dish, making sure it’s smooth and inviting.

• Craft the Crunchy Crown

Crush Ritz crackers and shower them with melted butter. Drift this golden topping across the chicken landscape.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and let it dance for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a bubbly center and a toasty golden top that screams “eat me!”

• Serve and Celebrate

Let the casserole catch its breath for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, shower some fresh parsley on top and get ready to devour this comfort food masterpiece.

Tasty Tips For Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Perfect Crunch Mastery: Crush Ritz crackers into medium-sized pieces for an ideal crispy texture that doesn't become too powdery or too chunky.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with cooked turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for quick protein alternatives that keep the dish versatile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Veggie Boost Option: Add diced mixed vegetables like broccoli, peas, or carrots to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition and color without changing the core recipe's delicious flavor profile.

Best Ways To Serve Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken casserole as the main attraction during a relaxed weeknight meal, letting everyone scoop generous portions onto their plates.
• Paired Perfection Platter: Complement the casserole with roasted green beans, crisp garden salad, or buttery mashed potatoes to create a balanced and satisfying dinner spread.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving to add a burst of color and bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the rich, creamy texture of the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake, making it an ideal option for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts who want a convenient, delicious dinner solution.

How To Store Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers

• Smart Portion Control: Divide the casserole into individual servings before refrigerating, making reheating and meal prep a breeze for busy weekdays.
• Chilled Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating Magic: Restore the crispy cracker topping by covering the casserole with foil and warming in the oven, preventing sogginess and maintaining that delightful crunch.

Crispy Chicken Casserole With Ritz Crackers Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken casserole with ritz crackers combines comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Crispy cracker topping and creamy filling make this classic midwestern meal a perfect family dinner. Comfort awaits you at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (720 ml) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie)
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a baking dish and position the oven rack centrally, preheating to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream soup, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings, whisking thoroughly to ensure a uniform and flavorful base.
3. Assembly: Elegantly spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that promises consistent texture and taste throughout the casserole.
4. Topping Development: Crush Ritz crackers and blend with melted butter, creating a golden, crisp coating that will add textural contrast to the creamy chicken base.
5. Crumb Application: Generously sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs across the entire surface of the chicken mixture, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crunchiness.
6. Baking Process: Carefully transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown top and bubbling edges that indicate complete heating.
7. Finishing Touch: Extract the casserole from the oven, allow a brief resting period to let flavors meld, then optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Moisture: Shred chicken while still warm to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness, ensuring each bite remains juicy and flavorful.
• Cracker Coating Technique: Crush Ritz crackers unevenly for varied texture, creating a more interesting and crispy top layer that provides multiple crunch levels.
• Soup Base Customization: Swap cream soups with homemade versions or Greek yogurt for reduced sodium and healthier alternatives without compromising richness.
• Temperature Control: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow internal temperature to stabilize and prevent burning, helping ingredients set perfectly and enhancing overall flavor integration.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg