Sam There are chicken casseroles—and then there’s this one. The kind of dish that practically disappears from the potluck table before you’ve even made it back with a fork. This chicken casserole with Ritz crackers hits every mark: creamy, comforting, crunchy, and familiar in the best possible way.
It’s the casserole I grew up eating on Sunday nights—the one my mom made when she didn’t want to cook but still wanted to put something warm and cozy on the table. It’s simple, indulgent, and one of those rare recipes that’s just as good reheated the next day.
The combination of shredded chicken, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup creates a rich, savory base. But what really sets this apart is the topping: buttery crushed Ritz crackers baked into a golden crust that adds irresistible crunch to every creamy bite. This is the kind of chicken casserole with Ritz crackers that families pass down and make on repeat.
It also just happens to be a fantastic base for all kinds of variations, which means you can make it a little different each time without losing that beloved flavor. Whether you’re baking this for a cozy weeknight dinner or preparing it ahead for guests, it’s a dependable go-to.
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: American comfort food
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
What You’re Really Eating: Nutritional Snapshot
Comment: Rich and satisfying, but flexible enough to lighten up with a few swaps.
- Calories (per serving): ~440
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 29g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Mood Boost Factor: 10/10 for comfort
Note: Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup to make it lighter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy creamy baked chicken with crackers is built on a short, pantry-friendly list:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup frozen peas or steamed broccoli florets
- ½ cup cooked bacon bits
- A dash of hot sauce or cayenne for spice
How to Make Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers
This creamy baked chicken casserole recipe comes together fast—just mix, top, and bake.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy. If adding veggies or bacon, fold them in now.
Step 3: Spread Into Your Dish
Spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly from corner to corner with a spatula.
Step 4: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
Crush your Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor (not too fine—you want texture). Stir together with the melted butter until coated. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it firms up and slices cleanly.
Flavor Variations
This Ritz cracker chicken bake is a blank canvas for creative twists:
- Spicy Buffalo Style: Add ¼ cup buffalo sauce to the filling and use pepper jack cheese
- Tex-Mex: Stir in taco seasoning, corn, and black beans
- Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or diced mushrooms to the filling
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère cheese
- Loaded Baked Potato Style: Add cooked bacon bits and a sprinkle of chives or green onions on top
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
This chicken casserole with Ritz crackers is great for prep and leftovers.
Make-Ahead:
Assemble the filling and topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let the dish sit at room temp for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Freezer Instructions:
Assemble and wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Leftovers:
Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or in a 325°F oven for 15 minutes.
This recipe is one of the easiest freezer-to-table dishes you can have on rotation. Busy families love how well this chicken casserole with Ritz crackers reheats.
What to Serve with Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers
This creamy chicken bake pairs well with bright, crisp sides:
- Fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette or ranch
- Steamed green beans, asparagus, or peas
- Baked sweet potatoes or roasted carrots
- Dinner rolls or garlic bread
- Pickled vegetables or a tangy slaw to balance the richness
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Drain and shred two 12.5 oz cans of chicken for a quick shortcut.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Definitely. Use plain full-fat Greek yogurt for a higher-protein option.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free crackers and soup. There are great GF cream soups on the market now.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use two casserole dishes or one deep lasagna pan and extend the baking time slightly.
Can I add rice or pasta to the filling?
Sure. Stir in 1 to 2 cups of cooked rice or noodles to make it even heartier—just increase the soup or sour cream slightly to keep it creamy.
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. This chicken casserole with Ritz crackers works just as well with turkey—a great way to use up holiday leftovers.
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
This chicken casserole with Ritz crackers checks every box:
- Budget-friendly
- Ultra-satisfying
- Kid-approved
- Freezer-ready
- Crowd-pleaser
It also hits that nostalgic note that so many great recipes do—like something grandma used to make, but easier and faster. You can dress it up or leave it simple. Either way, it’s dependable, delicious, and always disappears from the table.
It’s especially great for meal trains, new parent dinners, or to bring to friends who need a little extra comfort. This dish tastes like home.
Final Thoughts from My Kitchen to Yours
If you’re looking for a no-fail, feel-good dinner that even picky eaters will devour, this chicken casserole with Ritz crackers delivers every single time. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a tradition—the dish everyone asks for, the one you bring to friends in need, and the one you whip up on a rainy Wednesday night just because it feels right.
Keep a sleeve of Ritz crackers in your pantry and a can of soup on standby. You’re never more than 10 minutes away from a meal that feels like a hug in a casserole dish.
Once you try this chicken casserole with Ritz crackers, it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot on your regular dinner rotation.
Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers (Creamy, Cheesy, and Buttery Baked Classic)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 3 cups Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 10.5 oz Can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix the Filling:In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy.💡 Pro Tip: If your chicken is cold from the fridge, microwave it for 30 seconds first to make mixing easier.
- Spread Into Your Dish:Spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly from corner to corner.
- Make the Ritz Cracker Topping:Crush your Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or food processor (not too fine—you want texture). Stir together with the melted butter until coated.Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.Bonus: Add 2 tablespoons of Parmesan or crushed French-fried onions to the topping for extra crunch and depth.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
