The Tastiest Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe for Dinner Fun

Comfort arrives in a delightful creamy chicken Ritz casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Golden Ritz crackers create a perfect crispy topping for this hearty dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle beneath a rich, velvety sauce that speaks to classic home cooking.

Layers of flavor blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Each bite delivers a comforting warmth that feels like a culinary hug.

Busy weeknight dinners have met their match with this simple yet incredibly delicious casserole.

Why People Love Chicken Ritz Casserole

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal prep work and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a creamy, crunchy casserole that combines tender chicken with a buttery Ritz cracker topping, guaranteed to win over both kids and adults.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Customize this dish with different soup varieties, protein options, or additional seasonings to suit your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Budget-Friendly Family Favorite: Create a delicious, filling meal that won’t break the bank, using affordable ingredients and feeding multiple people with one easy-to-make casserole.

Chicken Ritz Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that makes the casserole hearty and satisfying.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Rich and smooth combination that creates a luxurious sauce.

• Ritz Crackers, Butter: Crispy golden layer that adds a delightful crunch to the casserole.
• Poppy Seeds: Tiny seeds that bring a subtle nutty flavor and interesting texture.

• Cooking Spray: Light coating to prevent sticking and ease of serving.

Make Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 2.5-3 quart baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream

Mix thoroughly until the mixture looks consistent and velvety.

Step 3: Incorporate the Chicken

Gently fold shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring every piece gets coated with the rich sauce.

Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish

Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly so each bite will have the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter
• Optional poppy seeds

Mix until the crackers are completely coated with butter.

Step 6: Crown the Casserole

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken, creating a golden, crispy layer that will become deliciously crunchy when baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center is bubbling with warmth.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Ritz Bake

• Replace traditional sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Avoid crushing Ritz crackers too finely to ensure a crispy, crunchy topping that adds delightful texture to the casserole.
• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick and versatile meal adaptation.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese between the chicken mixture and cracker topping or mix in dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked, then pop it in the oven when ready to serve for a convenient weeknight dinner solution.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Ritz Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container. Properly sealed, it maintains quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
• Warm at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore cracker crispness.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Ideal Pairings for Ritz Chicken

• Savor Crisp White Wine Pairing: Chardonnay’s buttery notes complement the creamy chicken casserole’s rich texture, creating a harmonious flavor symphony that dances on your palate.
• Amplify Side Dish Selection: Roasted asparagus with garlic and lemon zest provides a bright, fresh contrast to the casserole’s hearty and comforting profile, cutting through the richness with zesty elegance.
• Enhance Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the casserole to add a pop of color and light herbaceous freshness that lifts the entire dish’s flavor complexity.
• Boost Beverage Choice: Light craft beer like a golden ale offers a crisp, slightly hoppy counterpoint to the creamy casserole, refreshing the palate between each delectable bite.

Swaps for Chicken Ritz Casserole

• Gluten-Free Cracker Swap: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or crushed cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Substitute crackers with almond flour and crushed pork rinds, and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional chicken mixture for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or roasted chickpeas, and use mushroom soup to create a plant-based casserole that maintains the creamy texture and comfort food appeal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, dairy-free cream of chicken soup, and olive oil in place of butter to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken other than shredded chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken, diced cooked chicken breasts, or even leftover roasted chicken. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge.

• Can I substitute the Ritz crackers?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use other buttery crackers like Club crackers or even breadcrumbs. The key is to mix the crumbs with melted butter to create a crispy, golden topping.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make it lighter, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and whole wheat crackers. You can also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or peas to increase the nutritional value.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole, blending tender chicken and crispy crackers into a heartwarming meal. Smooth, cheesy layers meld perfectly, promising a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups (720 ml) cooked, shredded chicken breast

Creamy Base:

• 10.75 ounces (305 grams) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Topping and Seasoning:

• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup (115 grams / 1 stick) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 2.5-3 quart baking vessel with a light cooking spray coating.
2. Create a silky foundation by whisking cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth and uniform in texture.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring each tender morsel is completely enveloped by the luxurious sauce.
4. Gently transfer the chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, distributing it evenly across the surface.
5. Crush Ritz crackers into fine, delicate fragments and combine with melted butter to form a golden, crispy topping.
6. Optional: Enhance the topping’s complexity by sprinkling poppy seeds throughout the buttery cracker mixture.
7. Meticulously spread the cracker topping across the chicken base, creating a uniform golden-brown blanket.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich, amber-hued crust and bubbling edges.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes after removing from the oven, enabling flavors to settle and meld.
10. Serve alongside vibrant green vegetables or a crisp salad to balance the dish’s rich, comforting profile.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories and add extra protein, making the dish healthier without compromising creamy texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack that adds more depth of flavor and ensures tender meat throughout the casserole.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the cracker topping for an aromatic boost and bright, fresh flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg