Ritz cracker chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort meal—rich, creamy, and cheesy, with a buttery, crunchy cracker topping perfect for cosy family dinners. This hearty casserole is packed with shredded chicken, rich cream of chicken soup, and melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection with a crispy Ritz cracker topping.
What makes this dish a favourite among busy families? It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly and can feed a crowd. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize the filling with your favourite vegetables, adjust the seasonings to your liking, or even make it spicy for an extra kick.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make the best Ritz cracker chicken casserole. You’ll also find helpful tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time and creative variations to keep things exciting in the kitchen. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Chicken
The base of this casserole is tender, cooked, and shredded chicken. For convenience, you can use chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.
Ritz Crackers
These buttery crackers are the show’s star, creating a crispy, golden topping that adds the casserole’s perfect crunch and savoury flavour.
Cream of Chicken Soup
A classic ingredient for creamy casseroles, this soup adds rich flavour and a smooth texture to bind the ingredients together.
Sour Cream and Cheese
Sour cream makes the casserole creamy and tangy, while shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) adds a layer of cheesy goodness.
Seasonings
Enhance the dish’s flavour with simple seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These pantry staples give the casserole a well-rounded taste.
Butter
Melted butter coats the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring they bake to a golden-brown, crispy topping.
Pro Tip
For the best texture and flavour, use freshly shredded chicken rather than canned chicken. It makes a big difference in taste and quality!
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder). Mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
Step 3: Spread the mixture into the Baking Dish
Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to create a smooth layer.
Step 4: Add the Ritz Cracker Topping
Crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs and sprinkle them generously over the chicken mixture.
Step 5: Drizzle Melted Butter
Drizzle melted butter evenly over the crushed crackers to ensure a golden, crispy topping.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Pro Tip
Once the casserole is out of the oven, rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to be set and makes it easier to serve.
Tips for the Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Use Pre-Cooked Chicken
Use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time and effort. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent option that adds flavour and tenderness. Alternatively, leftover chicken breasts or thighs work just as well and help reduce food waste.
Achieving a Crispy Topping
A golden, crispy topping is the key to a delicious Ritz cracker chicken casserole. Make sure to coat the crushed Ritz crackers evenly with melted butter. This step enhances the buttery flavour and helps prevent the topping from drying or burning during baking.
Balancing Flavors
Elevate the taste of your casserole by adding a pinch of paprika, dried parsley, or Italian seasoning to the cracker topping. These seasonings bring an extra layer of flavour and add a subtle pop of colour to the finished dish, making it even more appealing.
Pro Tip
If the cracker topping starts to brown too quickly in the oven, loosely cover the casserole with aluminium foil. This will help prevent burning while allowing the casserole to cook through and maintain its crispy, golden finish.
Creative Variations for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Cheesy Chicken Casserole
To make your casserole extra indulgent, add more shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan to the chicken mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top before adding the crushed Ritz crackers for a gooey, cheesy finish. This variation is perfect for cheese lovers craving an ultra-comforting meal.
Vegetable-Loaded Casserole
Add a healthy twist to your Ritz cracker chicken casserole by incorporating vegetables like frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped broccoli. These veggies will enhance the dish’s texture, colour, and nutritional value without compromising its delicious flavour.
Spicy Version
Give your casserole a kick by mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce with the chicken filling. You can also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist that delivers a bold, flavorful punch in every bite. This version is ideal for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
Low-Carb Option
For a keto-friendly version, swap out the crushed Ritz crackers for a cauliflower topping. Roast or steam cauliflower florets, then use them as a crunchy alternative to maintain the casserole’s texture while keeping it low in carbs. It’s an excellent option for those looking to reduce their carb intake.
Pro Tip
By experimenting with different ingredients and flavours, you can customize the casserole to fit your family’s preferences. Whether you prefer extra cheese, added veggies, or a spicy twist, this versatile dish can be easily tailored to suit any taste!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: FAQs and Storage Tips
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the casserole has thoroughly cooled before transferring it to the container.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! The casserole can be frozen either before or after it’s baked. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Storage Tips
For the best texture, reheat leftover Ritz cracker chicken casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the topping golden and crispy. Please avoid using the microwave, as it can cause the cracker topping to become soft and lose its crunch.
Pro Tip: If freezing, label your casserole with the date to track its freshness. This way, you’ll enjoy the dish’s peak flavour and texture when reheated.
Conclusion
Ritz cracker chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and topped with that irresistible buttery crunch. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. This casserole can be customised with simple ingredients and endless variations to suit any taste or occasion.
Whether you prefer a cheesy version, a veggie-packed twist, or a spicy kick, there’s a way to make this classic dish your own. Plus, with make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, it’s a convenient meal for busy days.
We’d love to see your take on this recipe! Try it at home, and share your tips, variations, or photos in the comments below or tag us on social media. Let’s keep this delicious tradition going—one bite at a time!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers), crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas, carrots, or chopped broccoli
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning or paprika (for extra flavour)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Spread the Mixture into the Baking Dish:
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Add the Ritz Cracker Topping:
- Crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs and sprinkle them over the chicken mixture.
Drizzle Melted Butter:
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the crushed crackers to ensure a crispy, golden topping.
Bake:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to slice.
