Creamy Ritz Crackers Chicken Casserole
Here’s a full, comforting recipe for Creamy Ritz Crackers Chicken Casserole – the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing dish! Tender chicken is enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with a buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust. It’s easy, satisfying, and great for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Required time
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture:
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
1 tsp lemon juice (optional – for brightness)
For the Ritz Cracker Topping:
1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers (about 45 crackers), crushed
¼ cup (4 tbsp) olive oil
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory boost)
Optional: 1 tsp dried parsley for color
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Chicken Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayo, cheddar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Mix until fully combined and creamy.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Cracker Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the olive oil Parmesan (if using), and dried parsley.
Sprinkle evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
4. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
If the topping isn’t crispy enough, broil for an extra 1–2 minutes – watch carefully!
5. Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or buttered peas
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Variations:
Add veggies: Mix in frozen peas, cooked broccoli, or sauteed mushrooms.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
Low-carb version: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping instead of crackers.
Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 28g
Fat: 33g
Carbs: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g