Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole has everything you want in a comfort food dish: creamy, tender chicken, a flavorful sauce, and a crunchy, buttery topping that adds the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. The Ritz crackers provide a light, crisp texture that makes each bite irresistible. It’s quick to prepare and can be assembled in advance, making it an easy solution for busy days. The best part is that it’s a versatile recipe that can be modified to fit your tastes, making it a family favorite everyone will love!

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or milk)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

  2. Prepare the chicken mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth (or milk), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

  3. Add the cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture, mixing until the cheese is evenly distributed.

  4. Assemble the casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

  5. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated with the butter.

  6. Top the casserole: Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the crackers.

  7. Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crispy.

  8. Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

  9. Enjoy: Serve the casserole with your favorite side dishes, like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

  • Add vegetables: You can add frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

  • Use different cheese: Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

  • Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy twist.

  • Use different crackers: While Ritz crackers are traditional, you can use other types of crackers like saltines or buttery crackers for a different texture.

  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers and make sure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to make this casserole gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. The topping may lose some of its crispiness when reheated in the microwave, but it will still taste delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to cook and shred it before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

3. Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom soup or any other cream-based soup you prefer. Some people also use cream of celery for a different flavor.

4. Can I freeze Ritz Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

5. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using a meat substitute like soy-based crumbles or simply adding extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

6. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when it’s bubbling around the edges, and the top is golden brown and crispy. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Ritz Chicken Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines creamy chicken, cheesy goodness, and a crispy cracker topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight or a family gathering. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste, making it as versatile as it is tasty. Enjoy!

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Ritz Chicken Casserole

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

Ritz Chicken Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a satisfying meal in one dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or milk)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth (or milk), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  3. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture, mixing until the cheese is evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated with the butter.
  6. Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the crackers.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  9. Serve with your favorite side dishes like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

You can add frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for a different flavor.For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.Try using saltines or buttery crackers instead of Ritz crackers for a different texture.For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers and ensure the soup is gluten-free.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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