Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the perfect easy weeknight dinner that comes together in minutes. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s a comforting family favorite. For another simple meal, try these BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches or explore more casserole variations.

Ingredients

This comforting casserole combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and a buttery Ritz cracker topping that bakes up golden and crisp.

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 6-8 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 6-inch stack)
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 1/2 square (4 tablespoons) butter or margarine, melted
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to its simple assembly and minimal prep work.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking throughout the casserole.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the cubed chicken until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3 — Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup, one cup of sour cream, and half a cup of chicken broth. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

For a richer flavor, you can substitute the broth with milk. Stir in a teaspoon of dried parsley for added color and freshness.

Step 4 — Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the cooked chicken to the creamy sauce mixture and stir to coat every piece evenly. This step ensures every bite of your Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is flavorful.

Step 5 — Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Use a spatula to smooth the top so the topping will bake uniformly.

Step 6 — Make the Ritz Cracker Topping

Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers) into coarse crumbs. In a medium bowl, mix the crumbs with 4 tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

For extra flavor, stir in a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the cracker crumbs before adding the butter.

Step 7 — Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Step 8 — Check for Doneness and Rest

The Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	26g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs while keeping the comforting essence.

• Protein Swap: Use Turkey or Chickpeas — Substitute the chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option or with chickpeas for a plant-based, protein-rich alternative.
• Lower-Carb Base: Cauliflower Rice — Replace white rice with cauliflower rice to significantly reduce the carbohydrate content while adding extra vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Coconut Milk & Nutritional Yeast — Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream of chicken soup and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a rich, dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Topping: Gluten-Free Crackers — Simply swap the Ritz crackers for your favorite certified gluten-free cracker to make the entire dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Sodium Version: Homemade Soup & Unsalted Topping — Make a low-sodium cream of chicken soup from scratch and use unsalted butter and crackers to control the salt level.
• Lighter Cream Base: Greek Yogurt — For a tangy, high-protein twist, replace the canned soup with plain Greek yogurt mixed with a little chicken broth.
• Veggie Boost: Add Spinach or Broccoli — Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or steamed broccoli florets to increase the fiber and nutrient content effortlessly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a fresh vegetable contrast
• Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the creamy sauce
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings where comfort food is appreciated
• Great for weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying with minimal effort
• Plate with a simple garden salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Excellent for holiday meals or Sunday suppers when you want impressive but easy comfort food

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole makes a complete meal when served with your favorite sides, creating a comforting dinner that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using low-fat cream of chicken soup. Fix: Full-fat soup creates a richer, more stable sauce that prevents a watery casserole.
• Mistake: Crushing the Ritz crackers too finely. Fix: Leave some texture for a satisfying crunch; coarse crumbs provide better topping structure.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to pre-cook raw chicken. Fix: Always cook chicken first to ensure food safety and proper texture in the finished dish.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the chicken and sauce mixture. Fix: Add salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme to each layer for a flavorful Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
• Mistake: Adding the cracker topping too early. Fix: Apply the buttery Ritz topping in the last 15-20 minutes to prevent sogginess and maintain crunch.
• Mistake: Overbaking the casserole. Fix: Bake just until bubbly and the topping is golden to keep the chicken tender and prevent drying out.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Let dairy ingredients like sour cream reach room temperature for smoother incorporation.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest before serving. Fix: Allow 5-10 minutes for the sauce to thicken, making serving easier and improving flavor.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the casserole cools to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best quality, wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 20-30 minutes. For single servings, microwave until steaming hot.

Always use a food thermometer to confirm your Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving leftovers.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. We hope you love it as much as we do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and subscribe for more delicious meals like our Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Casserole Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?

You can substitute crushed butter crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for a similar crunchy texture. The buttery flavor of Ritz crackers complements the creamy chicken base perfectly in this Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warmed through.