Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole straight out of the oven, and Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is one of those nostalgic dishes that brings everyone to the table. I remember the first time I made it for a potluck; people were lining up for seconds before dessert was even served. It’s that good!

This recipe is a delicious mix of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a buttery, crunchy cracker topping that’s downright irresistible. It’s hearty, homey, and has all the makings of a classic comfort food that generations fall in love with. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight, a Sunday family dinner, or a church gathering, this dish is easy to make, satisfying, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

One of my favorite things about this casserole is how well it fits into any meal plan. You can prep it ahead, double the batch for freezing, or even use up leftover chicken or turkey from another meal. It’s also a great recipe to hand down, tweak to your liking, and call your own.

Why You’ll Love Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Comfort food at its best – Creamy, savory, and satisfying every single time.
• Family-friendly – A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Simple ingredients – Pantry staples come together quickly and easily.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble early and bake later for convenience.
• Perfect for leftovers – Stays delicious even the next day.
• Versatile – Serve as a main or hearty side, or customize with veggies.
• Budget-friendly – Affordable ingredients that stretch into a full meal.
• Great for sharing – Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or comforting a friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cooked and shredded, about 4 cups.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Season your chicken well for enhanced flavor.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed – Adds that golden buttery crunch on top.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings a salty, cheesy edge to the topping.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps bind the topping and adds richness.
• 1 cup sour cream – Makes the sauce tangy and luxuriously creamy.
• 1 can cream of chicken soup – Forms the creamy base with savory depth.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Thins the sauce for a silky texture and adds moisture.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – Brightens the flavor and presentation.

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup frozen peas or corn – Adds color and a sweet pop.
• ½ cup diced carrots or celery – For a bit of texture and extra veg.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder – Enhances the savory notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prep pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Lightly grease or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook and shred the chicken:
   • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   • Boil, bake, or pressure-cook until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
   • Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces using forks or a stand mixer.
3. Mix the filling:
   • In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and any optional seasonings.
   • Fold in the shredded chicken and any optional vegetables until fully combined.
4. Assemble the casserole:
   • Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
5. Prepare the topping:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
   • Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and is evenly coated.
6. Top and bake:
   • Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
   • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
7. Garnish and serve:
   • Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set before serving.
   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley or additional cheese if desired.
   • Serve warm alongside green beans, a crisp salad, or warm dinner rolls.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve as a main dish with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
• For extra richness, add shredded cheese on top before baking.
• Meal prep tip: Divide into smaller containers for weekday lunches.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Use the microwave for quick meals or reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
• Freeze: Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
• To bake from frozen: Add 15–20 minutes to the baking time or thaw overnight before baking.

Helpful Notes

• Chicken shortcut: Rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey works beautifully.
• Swap out the soup: Cream of mushroom, celery, or even cheddar cheese soup works well.
• Crunch control: Add the cracker topping halfway through baking if you prefer it extra crispy.
• Health tweak: Use light sour cream, low-fat soup, and reduce butter for a lighter version.
• Veggie boost: Stir in sautéed onions, spinach, or mushrooms for a flavor upgrade.
• Presentation idea: Bake in individual ramekins for personal-sized casseroles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
   Yes! Rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even turkey works great.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
   Use any buttery crackers, crushed cornflakes, or even seasoned breadcrumbs.
4. Is there a way to make it lighter?
   Yes! Use reduced-fat sour cream and soup, and limit the butter in the topping.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes. Let the casserole cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for easy future meals.
6. How do I know it’s done baking?
   The top should be golden brown and the sides should be bubbling.

Final Thoughts

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug. It's cozy, comforting, and just the thing to bring smiles to the dinner table. It combines creamy, savory goodness with a crispy, buttery topping that no one can resist.

Whether you're feeding your family, cooking for friends, or sharing a dish with a neighbor in need, this casserole is a reliable winner. And best of all, it’s simple enough for a beginner but flavorful enough to impress. Make it your own with add-ins or keep it classic—either way, it’s a meal that’s bound to become a regular in your rotation.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Don’t forget to tag me in your creations or drop your favorite additions in the comments. Happy cooking!

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