Growing up, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole was always a family favorite in our house. My mom would make it for special occasions, holidays, and even just a cozy weeknight dinner. The buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping was the star of the show, and the tender chicken and creamy sauce were the perfect supporting players. To this day, the smell of that casserole baking in the oven takes me right back to childhood – the anticipation of digging in, the first bite that melted in my mouth, and the satisfied smiles around the dinner table.
Table of Contents
Why This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd. The secret is in the flavorful chicken, the creamy sauce, and that irresistible Ritz cracker topping that gets perfectly golden and crunchy. This recipe is a game-changer because it’s endlessly customizable, comes together quickly, and delivers on the cozy, satisfying flavors you crave. Once you try this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
The Secret Behind Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
The key to this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is in the preparation and the balance of flavors. The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, then combined with a luscious, creamy sauce made from condensed soup, sour cream, and just the right blend of seasonings. But the real star is the topping – crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter. This creates a golden, crunchy crust that takes the whole dish to the next level. It’s an easy technique that makes this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole absolutely crave-worthy.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Just be sure to cook them until tender and juicy.
- Condensed Soup – A can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup provides the base for the creamy sauce.
- Sour Cream – This adds richness and tang to balance out the other flavors.
- Seasonings – A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper brings everything together.
- Ritz Crackers – The key ingredient that gives this casserole its signature crunchy, buttery topping.
- Butter – Melted butter helps the crushed Ritz crackers become golden and crisp.
Step-by-Step Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Instructions
Preparing Your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a breeze. The total time from start to finish is around an hour, and all you’ll need is a casserole dish and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
2- In a large bowl, combine the cooked and shredded or cubed chicken, condensed soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well-mixed.
3- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4- In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. Melt the butter and mix it into the cracker crumbs until fully incorporated.
5- Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping over the chicken in an even layer, covering the entire surface.
6- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika or fresh herbs to the cracker topping.
- Switch up the protein by using turkey or ham instead of chicken.
- Swap the condensed soup for a homemade béchamel or cream sauce for a richer texture.
- Don’t over-bake, or the Ritz cracker topping can become too dark and dry.
Serving and Storing Your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Perfect Pairings for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that pairs perfectly with simple side dishes like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. And don’t forget the dinner rolls or biscuits to soak up all that creamy, cheesy goodness! As for beverages, a crisp white wine or an ice-cold lemonade are both excellent accompaniments.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Simply cover and refrigerate the baked casserole for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Creative Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Variations
The beauty of this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is that it’s endlessly customizable. Try adding diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or freshly grated cheese to the chicken mixture. For a Tex-Mex twist, swap the condensed soup for salsa and top with shredded cheddar. You can also make it a Ritz Cracker Turkey Casserole by using ground turkey or shredded turkey instead of chicken. And for a seasonal spin, try adding in roasted butternut squash, fresh thyme, or cranberries.
Making Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Diet-Friendly
To make this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole more diet-friendly, you can swap the Ritz crackers for crushed whole-grain crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use low-fat or non-fat condensed soup and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to cut down on calories and fat. For a low-carb version, skip the crackers altogether and top with shredded cheese or crushed pork rinds. And to make it dairy-free, use vegan cream of chicken soup and plant-based milk or yogurt in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube the chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Q: How can I make sure the Ritz cracker topping stays crispy?
A: To keep the topping nice and crunchy, be sure not to over-bake the casserole. Keep an eye on it in the oven, and remove it as soon as the topping is golden brown.
Q: Can I make this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble it up to 3 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: How many people does this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole serve?
A: This recipe makes a 9×13 inch casserole, which typically serves 6-8 people as a main dish. You can easily scale the ingredients up or down to feed a larger or smaller crowd.
Q: My casserole turned out a bit dry. What could have gone wrong?
A: If your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole ended up on the dry side, it was likely over-baked. Keep a close eye on it in the oven, and remove it as soon as the topping is golden brown. You can also try adding an extra spoonful or two of sour cream to the chicken mixture for extra moisture.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a classic family favorite. Tender chicken is baked in a rich and flavorful sauce, topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. – In a large bowl, mix together the cubed chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
3. – Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. – Evenly sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the chicken mixture.
5. – Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
6. – Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. – Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– For a creamier texture, use a full cup of sour cream.
– Swap out the cheddar cheese for Parmesan or a blend of cheeses.
– Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and irresistible crunchy topping, it’s a dish that ticks all the boxes – delicious, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for the rave reviews from your loved ones. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
