If there’s one dish that always brings folks back for seconds, it’s this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a buttery cracker crunch, it’s the kind of meal that turns a regular weeknight into something worth gathering around.
I first learned this one as a kid, helping my grandma in the kitchen while she handed me crushed crackers to sprinkle on top. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a little nostalgia baked in, that’s what makes this casserole so special.
In this post, I’ll guide you through the steps, ingredients, variations, and more.
Table of Contents
Why This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe Is a Family Favorite?
When I think back to the dishes that made me fall in love with cooking, this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe is always at the top. I remember sitting on the counter at nine years old, watching my grandma crush those buttery crackers in a zip-top bag, using a rolling pin like it was a magic wand.
She’d wink at me as she layered the creamy chicken filling, telling me the secret was in the cracker topping, never add it until just before baking, or it won’t stay crisp.
This casserole became our Sunday go-to. It brought everyone to the table, no matter how busy the week had been. And it wasn’t just the flavor, though that golden, crunchy top over creamy chicken was enough to make anyone go back for seconds. It was the feeling. That warm, welcome-home kind of feeling.
If you’ve ever tried something like Dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole or this crockpot chicken and cream of chicken soup combo, then you know that casseroles have a way of comforting like nothing else.
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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe 2025
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole topped with buttery Ritz crackers, this comfort-food classic is quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, soup, sour cream, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread mixture in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
4. Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a separate bowl.
5. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To freeze: assemble without topping, freeze, then add topping before baking.
For extra flavor, mix in frozen vegetables or use pepper jack cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients Needed for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
The best thing about this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe is how simple and budget-friendly the ingredients are. It’s one of those comfort meals you can throw together without an extra trip to the store.
Most of these items are pantry or fridge regulars in any Southern kitchen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken (shredded) | 3 cups |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Ritz crackers (crushed) | 1 sleeve (~30) |
| Melted butter | ¼ cup |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
You can use any cooked chicken, leftover rotisserie, poached breasts, or even the slow-cooked kind like in this slow cooker pesto chicken alfredo. It all works beautifully in this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe.
And don’t skip the melted butter on top. That’s what transforms those crushed crackers into a golden, crunchy topping that tastes like love in every bite. If you’re looking to add a little green, frozen broccoli or peas mix in well without complicating the flavor.
How to Make the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Making this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe is like walking into a warm kitchen on a cold day, it’s simple, reliable, and soul-satisfying.
With just a few everyday ingredients, you’ll be pulling a creamy chicken cracker bake from the oven in under an hour.
Whether you’re new to casseroles or already hooked on cracker-topped chicken dishes, this one’s a winner.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe bakes best low and steady for golden results.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stir well. This mixture is the creamy heart of your chicken Ritz casserole, rich, comforting, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken filling evenly in the dish. This base sets the stage for the buttery Ritz topping to shine.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
Crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers). Mix the crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter until every bite is coated. This is what gives the ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe its iconic golden crunch.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly on top of the filling. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and crisp.
Step 6: Let It Rest & Serve
Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set up and makes serving clean and easy.
Pair this dish with a side salad or roasted green beans. And if you’re in the mood for something spicier after, try the chipotle honey chicken recipe for a flavorful next-day follow-up.
There’s a reason this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe has stayed in Southern kitchens for generations. It’s dependable, delicious, and delivers that buttery, cozy flavor every single time.
Creative Variations on the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
What makes this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe such a gem is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, using what’s in your fridge, or craving a twist on the classic, this dish is your blank canvas.
Add Vegetables for Color & Crunch
Fold in 1 to 2 cups of cooked broccoli, frozen peas, or mixed vegetables right into the filling. It adds a satisfying crunch while quietly tucking more greens into every bite.
If you’re already a fan of veggie-packed meals like this chick-fil-a kale salad recipe, this trick will feel familiar.
Switch Up the Cheese
Instead of cheddar, try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or pepper jack if you like a little heat. Even a little parmesan on top of the buttery Ritz crackers gives this chicken Ritz casserole a nice salty finish.
Make It Creamier or Lighter
Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version. Or use cream cheese for an extra indulgent take.
This base is forgiving, like the creamy goodness in buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese, it’s rich without being too heavy.
Add a Protein Twist
This ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe also works beautifully with leftover turkey or a mix of chicken and ham. It’s a great way to clear out the fridge after holidays or Sunday dinner.
These easy swaps let you create new flavor combos without changing what makes the dish so comforting. And no matter how you customize it, that golden Ritz topping keeps everyone coming back for more.
Serving Ideas for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
The beauty of this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe is that it pairs effortlessly with all sorts of sides. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but when you round it out with the right additions, you’ve got a complete meal that feels like a Sunday supper, even on a Tuesday night.
Go Classic with Veggies
Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or garlic butter peas are my favorite sides for this creamy chicken bake. The crisp veggies lighten the casserole’s richness and brighten your plate with vibrant color.
Serve Over Something Starchy
Spoon this casserole right over white rice, egg noodles, or buttery mashed potatoes to stretch it even further. It’s a great way to satisfy bigger appetites or unexpected guests. Just like the filling in my onion crunch chicken hellofresh recipe, the savory sauce from the chicken mixture makes an excellent topping on starches.
Make It a Potluck Favorite
This ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe travels well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for potlucks, meal trains, or holiday tables. Pack it into a foil pan, cover tightly, and bring it warm, or bake on site for that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
Top It Fresh Before Serving
Right before serving, sprinkle with a handful of chopped fresh parsley or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if your crowd enjoys a little heat. It’s a small detail that adds brightness to every bite.
This is one of those meals that always feels like home, whether you serve it straight from the dish at the kitchen table or dress it up with sides for company. No matter how you serve it, the cozy comfort never wavers.
Storing and Reheating Your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe isn’t just delicious fresh out of the oven, it’s also a dream to store and reheat. Whether you’ve got leftovers or you’re prepping ahead for busy nights, here’s how to keep it tasting just right.
Refrigerator Storage
Allow the casserole to cool fully, then wrap the dish in foil or transfer it to a sealed airtight container. Refrigerated, it keeps for up to four days; the cracker crust may lose some crunch with time, yet the flavor? Still amazing.
Freezer Instructions
Want to freeze it? You can! Assemble the full ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe but hold off on adding the cracker topping. Snugly wrap the casserole in plastic, add a foil layer, and it will stay good in the freezer for up to two months.
When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the fresh cracker topping, and bake as usual.
Reheating Tips
Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350 °F for roughly 20–25 minutes, until it’s piping hot all the way through. For individual portions, use the microwave in 30–60 second bursts. If you’re reheating and want that crispy top again, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two, just watch closely.
Planning ahead? This casserole is ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or giving to a friend in need. Just like my dolly’s chicken and stuffing casserole, it tastes even better the next day.
Conclusion
At the end of a long day, there’s just something about digging into a warm, creamy bite of this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe that feels like coming home. It’s simple enough for weeknights, crowd-pleasing enough for potlucks, and comforting enough to turn any dinner into a little act of love.
With just a few pantry staples, a buttery Ritz cracker topping, and the flexibility to make it your own, this casserole proves again and again that great meals don’t have to be complicated.
Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, you’ll always end up with something the whole table will want seconds of.
If you haven’t already, give it a try. One bite in, and you’ll understand why this dish has earned a permanent spot in Southern kitchens, and in my heart.
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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole FAQ
Can I freeze ritz chicken casserole?
Yes, you can! This ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe freezes well. Prepare the casserole minus the cracker layer, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to two months. When it’s time to cook, thaw overnight, add the buttery Ritz topping, and bake until hot, bubbly, and golden
What other seasonings can I use?
This recipe is very adaptable. Swap out the garlic powder for onion powder, dried thyme, Italian herbs, or paprika, and even a pinch of ranch seasoning can be a tasty twist. These all bring out the richness of the casserole without overpowering the chicken.
When should I add Ritz crackers to chicken casserole?
Add the Ritz cracker topping just before baking. Mixing the crushed crackers with melted butter and adding them last ensures they stay crisp and golden. Adding them too early, especially if freezing, can cause the topping to become soggy.
How to make Ritz cracker topping for casserole?
Crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers, mix the crumbs with ¼ cup melted butter until fully coated, then spread the buttery crumbs evenly over the casserole right before baking. This step gives the ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe its iconic crunch and rich, toasty flavor.
How do I make the ritz cracker topping more flavorful?
Add grated parmesan, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne to the crushed cracker and butter mix. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top after baking for color and freshness.