Name: Ritz Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers), crushed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

A creamy, savory classic, this Ritz Chicken Casserole brings all the comfort of a hearty homemade meal with minimal effort. Juicy shredded chicken is enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce, then topped with a layer of buttery crushed Ritz crackers that bake to golden perfection. It’s a cozy, satisfying dish I love making when I need a fuss-free dinner that hits the spot every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it blends simplicity with flavor—no fancy techniques, just a handful of pantry staples and a few steps. It’s perfect for busy nights when I want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, especially with kids and picky eaters. I often make it ahead for potlucks or freeze it for later, and it always reheats beautifully. That crunchy cracker topping? Irresistible.

Ingredients

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

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers), crushed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, I mix the cooked chicken with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly combined.

I spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish, smoothing it out with a spoon.

In a separate bowl, I combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, making sure the crumbs are well coated.

I sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.

Then I bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the top is golden brown.

I let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving, and sometimes I add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35 minutes to bake, totaling 45 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 410 kcal, making it a hearty and filling main dish.

Variations

Cheesy Twist: Sometimes I stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the chicken mixture for extra richness.

Veggie Boost: I occasionally add in peas, cooked broccoli, or diced carrots to get more vegetables into the meal.

Different Crackers: If I’m out of Ritz, I’ve used butter crackers or even crushed cornflakes in a pinch.

Spicy Kick: For a little heat, I add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.

Cream of Something Else: I’ve swapped the cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat individual portions, I use the microwave and heat until hot throughout—usually 1 to 2 minutes per serving. If I’m reheating the whole casserole, I cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. This keeps the topping from overbrowning while ensuring the center gets hot.

For longer storage, I freeze the casserole before baking. I wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Related Recipes:

Garlic Bread Ritz Bits

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for this casserole?

I usually use rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken, but any cooked chicken—shredded or cubed—works just fine. It’s a great way to use up what I already have.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Just before baking, I add the cracker topping so it stays crisp.

Can I freeze Ritz Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely. I freeze it unbaked for best results. I make sure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn, then thaw and bake as usual when I need it.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If I want to skip canned soup, I make a quick homemade version with butter, flour, chicken broth, and a splash of milk. It’s easy and gives a more from-scratch feel.

How do I keep the topping crispy when reheating?

To keep the Ritz cracker topping crispy, I reheat leftovers in the oven or an air fryer instead of the microwave whenever I have time. It helps maintain that signature crunch.

Conclusion

Ritz Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with my family. Whether I’m making it fresh, prepping ahead for a busy week, or pulling a frozen batch from the freezer, it never disappoints.

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