Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: A Creamy, Crunchy Comfort Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Few dishes capture the spirit of comfort food quite like Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. It’s creamy, rich, and topped with a buttery, golden crust that makes every bite irresistible. Tender shredded chicken is folded into a smooth, savory sauce made from cream of chicken soup and sour cream, then topped with crushed Ritz crackers for that perfect crispy finish. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying — the kind of recipe families pass down for generations. I once added a touch of garlic powder and cheddar cheese to the filling, and it elevated the flavor beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole delivers every time.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken – Shredded or cubed chicken forms the heart of this casserole. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience and flavor.

Cream of chicken soup – The creamy binder that creates the rich, savory sauce. You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for variation.

Sour cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess to balance the richness of the sauce.

Ritz crackers – Crushed and sprinkled on top, they bake into a buttery, golden crust that gives the dish its signature crunch.

Butter – Melted and mixed with the crackers to create a perfectly crisp topping.

Garlic powder – Adds subtle depth and aroma to the filling.

Onion powder – Complements the creamy base and brings out the flavor of the chicken.

Cheddar cheese (optional) – A handful of shredded cheese stirred into the filling adds melty richness.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for balancing the flavors of the creamy sauce and chicken.

Parsley (optional) – For a touch of freshness and color when serving.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy. If you’re adding cheese, fold it in at this stage.

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 portions.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but for best texture, crisp the topping briefly under the broiler. This casserole also freezes well — simply wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the chicken mixture for extra richness.

Vegetable Chicken Bake
Mix in cooked broccoli, peas, or green beans to add color, flavor, and nutrition.

Spicy Kick
Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to give the creamy sauce a little heat.

Bacon Lover’s Twist
Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the filling or sprinkle it over the topping before baking.

Creamy Ranch Version
Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the sauce for a zesty flavor upgrade.

Stuffing Swap
Replace the Ritz crackers with crushed seasoned stuffing mix for a more herb-forward crust.

Greek Yogurt Substitute
Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, protein-packed option.

Herb and Garlic Variation
Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the sauce for aromatic depth.

Loaded Potato Style
Stir in chopped cooked potatoes, cheese, and bacon for a heartier casserole.

Individual Servings
Assemble in small ramekins or mini casserole dishes for personalized portions perfect for entertaining.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though fresh or rotisserie chicken has better texture and flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking.

Can I freeze it before baking?
Absolutely — assemble without the topping, freeze, and add the topping right before baking from frozen.

Can I use a different type of soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery works well for a flavor twist.

How can I make it healthier?
Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cream soup, and add vegetables like broccoli or spinach.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free crackers and ensure the soup base is gluten-free.

What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

Can I use other crackers?
Yes, Club crackers or buttery saltines are good alternatives.

How do I make it more flavorful?
Add shredded cheese, herbs, or a touch of Dijon mustard to the sauce.

Why is my topping soggy?
The topping can soften if covered while cooling — always bake uncovered for best crunch.

Conclusion

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is everything you want in a comforting family meal — creamy, hearty, and topped with a buttery crunch that’s impossible to resist. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and loved by both kids and adults alike. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a potluck crowd-pleaser, this classic casserole never disappoints. Once you’ve tasted that combination of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and golden cracker topping, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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