Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

This comforting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery, crispy cracker crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, it’s a family favorite that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
½ cup whole milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Topping:

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

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

2. Mix the Casserole Base

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all the crumbs are well coated. Evenly sprinkle the buttery crackers over the casserole, covering it completely for that crispy golden crust.

4. Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. If needed, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Cooking Tips & Notes

Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, but you can also use boiled, baked, or even leftover grilled chicken.
Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, stir in 4 oz of softened cream cheese into the mixture before baking.
Add Some Veggies: Mix in ½ cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms for a boost of nutrition.
Crunchier Topping: If you love extra crunch, mix in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the crushed crackers.
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Side Ideas: Serve with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
Comfort Pairing: A side of buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy dinner rolls makes this meal even more indulgent.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep the topping crispy.

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort dish!