Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and crunchy dish that the whole family will love, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a must-make! It’s packed with tender chicken, a rich sauce, and topped with buttery, golden Ritz crackers for the ultimate cozy meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family Favorite – Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and buttery topping.
Quick and Easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this perfect for busy nights.
Comfort Food Classic – Rich, hearty, and satisfying.
Versatile – Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it early and bake when you’re ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt

For the Topping:
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional Add-ins:
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
½ cup cooked broccoli florets
Chopped parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Small bowl for mixing topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
If using, fold in frozen peas and carrots or broccoli.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated.

Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Use Rotisserie Chicken – It saves time and adds extra flavor.
Don’t Overbake – Bake just until bubbly and golden to keep the casserole moist.
Crush Crackers Lightly – A few bigger pieces add extra crunch and texture.
Customize Easily – Mix in your favorite vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Pair with buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for extra comfort.
Top with a few extra shredded cheese sprinkles if you love it extra cheesy.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned chicken?
   Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken offers better texture and flavor.
2. What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
   You can substitute with crushed buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even seasoned stuffing mix.
3. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
   Yes! Use gluten-free cream soup and gluten-free crackers.
4. Can I add extra cheese?
   Absolutely! Add a handful of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheese blend for an even cheesier casserole.

Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual dinner, or prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is sure to become a staple at your table.
Give it a try and watch it disappear in no time!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 720mg

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