Cozy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe for Happy Families

Weeknight dinners demand quick, comforting solutions that spark joy around the table.

This mouthwatering ritz cracker chicken casserole delivers pure comfort in every creamy, crunchy bite.

Tender chicken nestles between layers of buttery cracker crumbs and rich, velvety sauce.

You adore this simple yet impressive dish that comes together effortlessly.

Crisp ritz crackers create a golden, irresistible topping that adds delightful texture to the classic casserole.

The recipe promises a crowd-pleasing meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Gather your ingredients and let’s create a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Keep and Warm Ritz Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Perfect Pairings for Ritz Chicken Bake

• Crisp Garden Salad: Toss a light, tangy mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add fresh crunch.
• Chilled White Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the casserole's richness and refresh the palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare herb-seasoned roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus to provide a nutritious, colorful side that complements the casserole's comforting texture.
• Herb-Infused Steamed Rice: Prepare a simple rice pilaf with parsley and thyme to soak up the delicious sauce and add a subtle aromatic element to the meal.

Ways to Change Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Substitute seasoned salt with herbs like thyme or rosemary. Choose low-sodium chicken broth and use reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup to cut down salt content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt or dairy-free cream alternative. Use dairy-free margarine instead of butter for cracker topping and select plant-based cream of chicken soup.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with diced firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and select mushroom-based cream soup for protein-rich alternative.

FAQs

• What are Ritz crackers and why are they used in this recipe?

Ritz crackers are classic buttery, salty crackers that create a crispy, golden topping when crushed and mixed with butter. They add a delicious crunch and rich flavor to the casserole, making the dish more textually interesting.

• Can I use other types of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked and shredded chicken breasts, leftover roasted chicken, or even canned chicken. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces before mixing with the sauce.

• Is this recipe considered a comfort food?

Absolutely! With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and buttery cracker topping, this casserole embodies classic comfort food. It’s a warm, satisfying dish that reminds many people of home-cooked meals from childhood.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make the casserole lighter, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and consider adding some vegetables like peas or broccoli to increase nutritional value. You can also use whole wheat Ritz crackers for added fiber.

Why Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Works

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a creamy, rich dish that delivers ultimate satisfaction with its tender chicken and crispy Ritz cracker topping, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a one-dish wonder that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with familiar flavors and textures that everyone will love and request again and again.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Transform leftover rotisserie chicken into a mouthwatering casserole that works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Casserole

• Rotisserie Chicken: Juicy and tender meat that adds flavor to the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creamy base that brings richness to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor.

• Seasoned Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Classic spices that bring depth and warmth to the casserole.

• Ritz Crackers, Butter: Crispy, golden topping that adds a delightful crunch.

How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by setting it to 350°F.

Grab an 8×8-inch casserole dish and place it on a rimmed baking tray to catch any potential drips.

Step 2: Create a Dreamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth
• Seasoned salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Introduce the Chicken

Gently fold your diced rotisserie chicken into the sauce.

Be gentle to keep those chicken pieces nice and chunky.

Step 4: Build the Casserole Base

Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into your prepared casserole dish.

Smooth out the top to create an even, inviting layer.

Step 5: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Stir until the crackers are completely coated and glistening with buttery goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that scream “eat me!”

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set.

This allows the flavors to mingle and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, crunchy magic you’ve just created!

Tips for Crispy Ritz Chicken

• Crush Ritz crackers just before adding to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy topping.
• Use rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor and easier preparation, but leftover grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly too.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a creamy, uniform base for better overall taste.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow sauce to set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Replace seasoned salt with herbs like thyme or rosemary and use low-sodium cream of chicken soup for a healthier version.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Southern comfort meets creamy elegance in this ritz cracker chicken casserole, a hearty dish packed with cheesy goodness and crispy cracker topping. Nostalgic flavors and simple ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, diced into 3/4 to 1-inch pieces

Liquid and Cream Base:

• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken with herbs soup (Campbells recommended)
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (Lowrys recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center. Coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy base by whisking cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
3. Incorporate diced rotisserie chicken into the sauce, gently folding to maintain tender meat chunks and ensure even distribution of flavors.
4. Transfer the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom and create a smooth surface.
5. Prepare the crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring thoroughly to ensure each cracker fragment is well-coated with buttery richness.
6. Generously scatter the buttered cracker crumbs across the entire casserole surface, creating a golden, crunchy layer that will provide textural contrast.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling center and a deep golden-brown cracker topping that signals perfect doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the filling set and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Cracker Selection: Experiment with different butter cracker varieties like whole wheat or reduced-fat versions for unique flavor profiles and healthier alternatives.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover turkey, canned chicken, or shredded cooked chicken breasts to reduce food waste and accommodate ingredient availability.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice Customization: Add extra heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg