Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

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Creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a golden buttery crunch—Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food you didn’t know you needed. This dish wraps tender shredded chicken in a luscious, savory sauce, layered with melty cheese and topped with the irresistible crisp of crushed Ritz crackers. It’s the kind of dinner that brings families to the table fast and keeps everyone going back for seconds.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, planning a cozy weeknight meal, or just craving some hearty, homestyle satisfaction, this casserole delivers. It comes together with simple ingredients, many of which are pantry staples, making it a lifesaver when you’re short on time but want big flavor. From potlucks to busy school nights, this dish is a reliable go-to that warms the soul and fills the belly.

Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the creamy-cheesy-chicken combo.
• Pantry-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Quick to Make: Perfect for weeknight dinners—prep it in minutes and let the oven do the work.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for future meals.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with veggies or spice levels to suit your taste.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, you’ll need the following essential tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the chicken, soup, sour cream, and seasonings thoroughly.
• Casserole Dish (9×13): A standard baking dish works best to hold all the creamy layers evenly.
• Spatula or Spoon: To spread and layer the casserole ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision ensures perfect flavor ratios.
• Food Processor or Rolling Pin: Ideal for crushing the Ritz crackers into uniform crumbs.
• Aluminum Foil: To prevent the topping from over-browning if needed during baking.

Each of these tools plays a crucial role in ensuring your casserole bakes evenly and maintains its creamy texture under that iconic crunchy topping.

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Preparation Tips

Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time without compromising flavor. Shred it finely so it mixes well with the creamy base. Make sure the cream of chicken soup and sour cream are well blended before folding in the chicken—this keeps the casserole ultra smooth. When crushing the Ritz crackers, aim for a balance: not too fine like sand, but not too chunky either, so every bite gets a bit of that golden crunch. Lastly, add a touch of melted butter to the cracker crumbs before topping—it helps them toast beautifully and gives a buttery depth that’s hard to beat.

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Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cooked broccoli florets or frozen peas (for extra veggies)
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (for subtle smoky flavor)

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and smooth. If you’re using any optional add-ins like broccoli or peas, fold them in here.

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Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Dish

Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer so it bakes consistently.

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Step 4: Add the Cheesy Layer

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This extra cheese adds more flavor and helps hold the cracker topping in place.

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Step 5: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping

Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they become coarse crumbs. Alternatively, pulse them a few times in a food processor. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter and toss until the crumbs are fully coated.

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Step 6: Top and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the cheesy layer. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot, ideally with a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.

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Notes

This casserole is highly forgiving and easy to tweak depending on what you have in your fridge. You can use leftover turkey instead of chicken, or swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor. For a slightly healthier version, opt for light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese. The buttery cracker topping gives a beautiful crunch, but if you’re avoiding gluten, you can substitute with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Overbaking the Casserole: This can dry out the chicken and make the topping too dark. Check at 30 minutes and tent with foil if needed.
2. Skipping the Butter in the Topping: It’s crucial for crisping the crackers and preventing them from drying out.
3. Undermixing the Filling: Ensure the chicken, soup, and sour cream are fully combined to avoid dry pockets.
4. Using Raw Chicken: Always use pre-cooked chicken. Raw chicken won’t cook through in time.
5. Forgetting to Grease the Dish: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.

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Storage Instructions

Let the casserole cool to room temperature before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken should I use?

Cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat both work great. Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add the cracker topping just before baking.

Can I freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely. Freeze fully assembled (unbaked) or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great alternative. It offers similar creaminess with added protein.

Is there a low-sodium version?

Use low-sodium soup and unsalted butter, and go light on cheese. Taste the mix before adding any extra salt.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

Steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or roasted asparagus are great choices to balance the richness.

Can I add vegetables directly into the casserole?

Yes, peas, broccoli, or diced carrots can be mixed into the creamy filling before baking.

How do I keep the topping crunchy after storing leftovers?

Reheat uncovered in the oven or toaster oven to help re-crisp the cracker topping.

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Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a timeless classic that brings together comfort, convenience, and crave-worthy flavor. With its creamy interior and crispy, buttery topping, it checks every box for a satisfying family dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is simple to master and endlessly customizable. Keep it in your rotation for cozy weeknights or when you need a reliable dish to share—everyone will be asking for seconds.

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