Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate easy dinner, combining tender chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce topped with a buttery cracker crust. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together in minutes. For another simple, crowd-pleasing casserole, try the Poor Man’s Husband Casserole Recipe. The creamy sauce also pairs wonderfully with a side of Ultimate Mashed Potatoes Recipe.

Ingredients

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole comes together with simple pantry staples for a comforting dish that’s rich, savory, and crowned with a buttery, golden cracker topping.

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• 1 ½ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• Salt and 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 in about 45 minutes, roughly 25% faster than many similar baked chicken casserole recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Chicken and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch cubes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the creamy sauce adheres properly.

Step 2 — Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3 — Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4 — Combine Sauce and Vegetables

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a 10.5-ounce can of condensed cream of chicken soup. Fold in 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots). Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken in the baking dish and stir to combine.

Step 5 — Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping

Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers) into coarse crumbs. You can do this in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, mix the cracker crumbs with 4 tablespoons of melted butter and 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until the crumbs are evenly coated.

Step 6 — Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping evenly over the creamy chicken mixture in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when the filling is bubbling vigorously around the edges.

Step 7 — Broil for a Golden Finish

For a perfectly golden, crispy topping, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning! The topping should be a deep golden brown. Let the Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~480 kcal
Protein	~32 g
Carbohydrates	~24 g
Fat	~28 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~850 mg

Note: These are approximate per-serving values for this Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are practical ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap: Use Turkey or Chickpeas — Substitute the chicken with shredded cooked turkey for a leaner option, or use rinsed canned chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based version with a pleasant, nutty texture.
• Lower-Carb Base: Swap for Cauliflower — Replace the egg noodles with riced or small-floret cauliflower. It will absorb the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a satisfying, low-carb casserole.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Coconut Milk & Dairy-Free Cheese — Use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of cream of chicken soup and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. This adds a subtle, sweet richness that pairs well with the savory crackers.
• Gluten-Free: Gluten-Free Crackers & Soup — Ensure your dish is gluten-free by using certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swapping Ritz crackers for a gluten-free buttery cracker, like those from Schär or Glutino.
• Low-Sodium: Homemade Soup & Unsalted Toppers — Control salt by making a simple homemade cream sauce with low-sodium broth and using unsalted butter and crackers for the topping.
• Lighter Cream Base: Greek Yogurt — For a tangy, protein-packed twist, replace half of the cream of chicken soup with plain Greek yogurt. Add it after removing the casserole from the oven to prevent curdling.
• Veggie Boost: Add Spinach or Broccoli — Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or thawed, chopped frozen broccoli florets before baking. It adds color, nutrients, and a fresh flavor contrast.
• Topping Variation: Panko or Almond Flour — For a different crunch, mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of cracker crumbs. Almond flour offers a nutty, gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole with a bright, crisp green salad or steamed green beans to balance the rich flavors.
• For a comforting weeknight meal, serve it directly from the baking dish with a side of buttery egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch by stuffing the creamy chicken mixture into a warm, flaky biscuit or roll.
• Elevate a casual potluck by garnishing the finished casserole with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
• This casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a comforting dish to bring to a friend.
• For easy serving and a crisp topping in every portion, use a large spoon to scoop down through the buttery Ritz cracker crust.

This versatile creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole is a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion, from busy weeknights to special Sunday suppers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using soggy or crushed crackers for the topping. Fix: Crush the Ritz crackers coarsely just before assembling and mix with melted butter for a crisp, golden-brown crust.
• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, making it dry and tough. Fix: Use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken or gently poach your own just until it reaches 165°F internally.
• Mistake: Creating a sauce that’s too thin, leading to a watery casserole. Fix: Ensure your cream of chicken soup and sour cream are full-fat and well-chilled; avoid adding extra liquid.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the creamy filling layer. Fix: Taste and season the chicken mixture with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley before adding the topping.
• Mistake: Baking the casserole uncovered the entire time. Fix: Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes to heat through, then uncover to crisp the topping without burning it.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of buttering the baking dish. Fix: Always grease your dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and make serving clean slices much easier.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Let the cream cheese, sour cream, and soup sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes for easier, smoother blending.
• Mistake: Overmixing the filling until it’s gummy. Fix: Fold the chicken and other ingredients gently into the creamy base just until combined.
• Mistake: Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking. Fix: Let your Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole rest for 10 minutes so the layers set for perfect serving.
• Mistake: Substituting the soup base with a broth-based sauce. Fix: Stick with condensed cream of chicken soup; it provides the necessary stability and richness for this classic dish.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked or unbaked casserole. Wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It will maintain best quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat portions in the microwave until steaming hot, or cover and warm in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a crispier topping, broil for the last minute or two.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your creamy Ritz cracker chicken casserole reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F when reheating.

Conclusion

This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. If you love easy recipes with Ritz crackers, try our Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies Recipe. Give this casserole a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking so it stays crisp.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom or celery soup. For a homemade version, use a creamy sauce made with butter, flour, and chicken broth to keep your casserole rich.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the topping’s texture.