Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, savory chicken and a buttery, golden cracker topping that bakes into pure comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and family-approved.
This casserole makes weeknight dinners effortless while delivering on cozy, homestyle flavor. Just a few pantry staples and you’ve got a crave-worthy dish ready in under an hour.
Key Players in Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Cooked shredded chicken – The heart of the casserole, offering tender bites and hearty protein to build the base of this comforting dish.
- Cream of chicken soup – Adds silky richness and classic flavor, binding everything into a creamy, cohesive filling.
- Sour cream – Introduces tang and creaminess, balancing the saltiness of the crackers and richness of the soup.
- Onion powder & garlic powder – Subtle seasonings that enhance flavor without overpowering the delicate, creamy profile.
- Salt & pepper – Essential for drawing out the full depth of flavors in both the chicken and sauce.
- Ritz crackers – Buttery and crisp, they create the casserole’s signature golden topping with just the right crunch.
- Melted butter – Poured over the crackers for richness, helping them brown beautifully and lock in flavor.
Quick & Cozy: How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Start by preheating your oven and prepping your casserole dish. Mix the shredded chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings until smooth and creamy. Spread it evenly in the dish.
Next, crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers and combine with melted butter. Sprinkle this golden topping over the chicken mixture. Pop the casserole into the oven and bake until bubbling and lightly browned on top.
Tips & Twists to Try
For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture before baking. A touch of cooked broccoli or frozen peas can sneak in some veggies and added texture.
If you’re cooking for a crowd or want to prep ahead, this casserole can be assembled earlier in the day and refrigerated until dinner. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold.
Looking for a spice kick? A pinch of cayenne or paprika in the filling works wonders. You can also swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery for a subtle twist.
Keep It Fresh: Storing and Reheating Leftovers
To store leftovers, transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The cracker topping will soften over time, but a quick reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes restores a bit of crunch.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen casserole straight from the freezer at 350°F, covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 10 to crisp the top.
This casserole is just as comforting the next day—if there’s any left!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or as preferred
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
Instructions
- Set your oven to preheat at 350°F and lightly coat a casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until thoroughly blended. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the chicken mixture, then drizzle the melted butter evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
