If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe is absolutely your go-to. It’s a simple yet indulgent mix of tender chicken, creamy soup, melty cheddar, and that unmistakable golden crunch of Ritz crackers on top. This casserole hits all the right notes with minimal fuss, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or those times you want an effortless meal packed with comforting flavors and textures everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is half the fun, as each one plays a vital role in building this casserole’s irresistible flavor and satisfying texture. The combination is simple but every element shines through in the final dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4, about 1.5 lbs): The star protein that keeps this casserole hearty and filling.
- Crushed Ritz crackers (1 cup): Adds a buttery, crunchy topping and a cookie-like golden crust.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Creates a luscious, creamy base that binds everything perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness that balance the crunch.
- Milk (½ cup): Lightens the soup mixture to just the right consistency for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Offers a gentle punch of savory flavor that complements the chicken.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
- Seasoning salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors with a touch of balanced seasoning.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a large baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly intact with a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken breasts with the cream of chicken soup and milk. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that promises warm comfort in every bite.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Add garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt to the chicken mixture. These spices bring a wonderful depth of flavor without overpowering the gentle chicken, so mix it well and taste to adjust if needed.
Step 4: Create the Ritz Cracker Base
Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. This forms a buttery, crunchy foundation that contrasts beautifully with the creamy chicken mixture on top.
Step 5: Layer the Chicken Mixture
Pour the seasoned chicken mixture over the cracker base, spreading it out evenly to cover every inch. This ensures a consistent bake and flavors that mingle splendidly.
Step 6: Add Cheese and More Crackers
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken layer, then top it all with the remaining crushed Ritz crackers. This final layer will bake into a golden, crisp topping that’s utterly delicious.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beautifully browned. The smell alone will have your whole kitchen humming with anticipation.
How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and freshness, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon can also brighten the flavors and elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp garden salads, steamed green beans, or buttery roasted carrots. The freshness of these sides cuts through the richness, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or colorful ceramic dishes. Pair it with warm dinner rolls or a crusty artisan bread for a cozy dinner experience that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making tasty next-day lunches or easy re-dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply wrap it well in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container before freezing. It can be stored for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy this comforting dish anytime you want without the prep.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the whole dish in a preheated 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping is crisp again—about 15-20 minutes for portions, or 30 minutes for a whole dish. You can also microwave leftovers, though the topping may lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time without sacrificing the rich, comforting feel of the casserole.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a simple homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. Just keep the consistency creamy and smooth for best results.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker alternative or crushed gluten-free cereal. Make sure your cream soup is gluten-free too for a fully safe casserole.
Can this casserole be made vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with cooked mushrooms, tofu, or a medley of your favorite veggies and use a cream of mushroom soup. Just be mindful of seasoning adjustments to keep that cozy flavor profile.
How crispy will the Ritz cracker topping be after baking?
The Ritz cracker topping becomes beautifully golden and buttery crisp, adding a delightful texture contrast to the creamy filling beneath. If you want it extra crunchy, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch closely!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in many kitchens. It combines simplicity, comfort, and a touch of indulgence in every bite. I hope you try this recipe soon and share the joy it brings around your dinner table. Trust me, once you make it, it might just become your new weeknight favorite!
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 mixed with creamy soup, topped with crunchy Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection.
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
- Remaining ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Combine Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken breasts along with the cream of chicken soup and milk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning salt, adjusting seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- Layer Crackers: Spread half of the crushed Ritz crackers evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crispy base layer.
- Add Chicken Mixture: Pour the prepared chicken mixture over the cracker layer and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Top with Cheese and Crackers: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, then top with the remaining crushed Ritz crackers to create a crunchy, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of black pepper or paprika to the chicken mixture.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
- Try using low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breasts with cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.
