Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food shortcut, ready to serve in about 30 minutes! It combines tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce with the irresistible buttery crunch of Ritz crackers. For another delicious way to use that box of crackers, try the Salted Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients

This comforting casserole comes together with a creamy, savory base and a buttery, golden Ritz cracker topping for the perfect crunch.

• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to its simple assembly and minimal prep work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

Season 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink in the center, about 6–8 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred or cube it. For a time-saver, use a rotisserie chicken.

Step 3 — Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine two (10.5 oz) cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the cooked chicken and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4 — Assemble the Casserole Base

Transfer the creamy chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. For extra richness, you can sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top before adding the cracker topping.

Step 5 — Create the Ritz Cracker Topping

Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers) into coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, mix the crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. This buttery topping is the signature of this creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole.

Step 6 — Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the entire casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the topping is a deep golden brown.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then dish up this comforting, creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole while it’s hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~520 kcal
Protein	~32 g
Carbohydrates	~28 g
Fat	~31 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~980 mg

Note: These are approximate values for one serving of Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing comfort.

• Protein Swap: Use Rotisserie Chicken or Turkey — For a quicker, more flavorful protein base, use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey. It adds a deeper savory note and saves time.
• Lower-Carb: Swap Crackers for Almond Flour or Pork Rinds — For a keto-friendly topping, use crushed pork rinds or a mix of almond flour and grated Parmesan. It creates a wonderfully crunchy, savory crust without the carbs.
• Dairy-Free: Use Coconut Milk and Dairy-Free Cheese — Replace the cream of chicken soup and sour cream with a blend of full-fat coconut milk and a creamy, dairy-free soup alternative. Top with your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds for melty goodness.
• Gluten-Free: Use GF Soup and Crackers — Easily make this a gluten-free chicken casserole by using a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup and your favorite gluten-free crackers, like Schär table crackers or even crushed gluten-free pretzels.
• Low-Sodium: Use Low-Sodium Soup & Crackers — Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added cream of chicken soup and unsalted butter. Use unsalted Ritz or another low-sodium cracker to significantly reduce the overall salt content.
• Lighter Cream Base: Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream — Substitute full-fat sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy creaminess and boosts the protein content of your casserole.
• Veggie Boost: Add Spinach or Broccoli — Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or thawed, chopped frozen broccoli florets before baking. It adds color, nutrients, and a pleasant texture contrast.
• Herb Refresh: Fresh Herbs for Dried — If using dried herbs in the recipe, try fresh chopped parsley, dill, or chives stirred into the creamy mixture or sprinkled on top after baking for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole with a bright, crisp side like a simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green beans to cut through the richness.
• For a comforting, complete meal, serve it alongside classic sides such as garlic mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or roasted carrots.
• This casserole is perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or as a comforting dish for a cozy night in.
• To elevate the presentation, garnish the baked casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving for a pop of color.
• For individual servings, bake the creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole in ramekins, which creates a lovely personal presentation and helps with portion control.
• If you have leftovers, they reheat wonderfully for lunch the next day. Consider serving them over a bed of fresh spinach, which will wilt slightly from the heat.

This versatile creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole fits seamlessly into many menus, making it a reliable favorite for both weeknights and gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using low-fat cream of chicken soup. Fix: Full-fat soup provides the necessary richness and body for a truly creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole sauce.
• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken before baking. Fix: Sauté just until no longer pink, as it will finish cooking in the oven, preventing dry, tough meat.
• Mistake: Adding raw vegetables directly to the mix. Fix: Sauté or blanch firmer veggies like broccoli first to ensure they soften properly during baking.
• Mistake: Crushing the Ritz crackers too finely. Fix: Leave some larger pieces for a topping with satisfying texture and visual appeal.
• Mistake: Skipping the butter toss for the cracker topping. Fix: Tossing crumbs with melted butter ensures an even, golden-brown, crispy crust.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the creamy base mixture. Fix: Taste and adjust the filling with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme before assembling.
• Mistake: Using a shallow baking dish. Fix: A deeper 9×13-inch casserole dish prevents bubbling over and allows for proper layering.
• Mistake: Adding the cracker topping too early. Fix: Sprinkle it on for the last 15-20 minutes of baking to prevent it from burning or getting soggy.
• Mistake: Serving the casserole immediately from the oven. Fix: Let it rest for 10 minutes so the creamy sauce can set slightly for cleaner slices.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. For best quality, add the buttery Ritz cracker topping just before baking after thawing.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or cover and reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes. If the topping browns too quickly, tent it with foil.

Always ensure your creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating to guarantee food safety.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner. I hope you love this easy, satisfying dish as much as we do. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments! For another sweet and salty treat using Ritz crackers, check out our Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more simple, delicious recipes delivered to your inbox.

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FAQs

Can I prepare this Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the Ritz cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp. This makes the Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole perfect for easy weeknight dinners.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a similar creamy texture. For a homemade version, mix a simple roux with chicken broth and milk. This ensures your casserole stays deliciously creamy.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The topping may soften but the flavor remains great.