Zesty Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Tucking into a comforting ritz cracker chicken casserole brings memories of cozy family dinners and hearty meals.

Crispy crackers create a golden, crunchy topping that perfectly complements tender chicken pieces.

Creamy sauce binds everything together in a delightful harmony of flavors.

Simple ingredients combine to make this dish a weeknight winner that satisfies hungry appetites.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this straightforward yet delicious recipe.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch and rich, savory notes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to savor every mouthful of this classic comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

What Makes Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole So Good

• Savor Creamy Comfort: A hearty casserole that wraps you in pure, comforting goodness with its rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken pieces.
• Crunch into Deliciousness: The crispy Ritz cracker and parmesan topping adds an irresistible texture that transforms this dish from simple to spectacular.
• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish wonder comes together quickly and satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it adaptable to different tastes and pantry contents.

Ingredients In Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that serves as the primary ingredient in this hearty casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a rich and smooth foundation for the casserole sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creamy texture to the dish.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and consistent sauce.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help thicken the sauce.
• Melted Butter: Enhances flavor and contributes to the creamy consistency.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth and aromatic flavor to the casserole.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Ritz Crackers, Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy and golden-brown exterior for the casserole.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory and nutty flavor to the topping.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, melty layer over the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh finish and adds a pop of color to the dish.

How To Prepare Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and completely blended.

Step 3: Chop Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks that will cook evenly and make serving a breeze.

Step 4: Marry Chicken and Sauce

Gently fold the diced chicken into the creamy sauce, making sure each piece gets a luxurious coating.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese

This will become your irresistible crispy layer.

Step 6: Layer Chicken in Baking Dish

Pour the saucy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 7: Add Cheese Layer

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, creating a melty, gooey foundation of flavor.

Step 8: Top with Crunchy Mixture

Scatter the cracker-breadcrumb mixture across the top, making sure every inch is covered for maximum crunch.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and chicken that’s cooked through.

Step 10: Rest and Set

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier.

Step 11: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

Tips For Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Success

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Grease the baking dish generously with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Chunk Chicken Consistently: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better sauce distribution throughout the dish.
• Boost Cracker Crunch: Toast breadcrumbs and Ritz crackers briefly in a dry skillet before mixing to enhance their golden, crispy texture.
• Elevate Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce for a more complex, aromatic profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, vegan cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives for lactose-intolerant guests.

Tasty Variations Of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Replace chicken with cauliflower florets and use almond flour instead of Ritz crackers for a keto-friendly version.
• Turkey Swap Option: Substitute chicken breasts with lean ground turkey or diced turkey breast for a different protein profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, check soup ingredients for gluten content, and replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu, plant-based chicken alternatives, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a meatless casserole.

Sides That Go With Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, rich casserole with its bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Tangy Green Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the heaviness of the cheesy chicken dish and provide refreshing contrast.
• Match Buttery Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of complementary flavor that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Recommend Crisp Vegetable Side: Roast broccoli or green beans with olive oil and sea salt to introduce a crunchy, nutritious element that cuts through the casserole's richness.

How To Store Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Separate individual portions for easier thawing and reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

FAQs About Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely and pat dry before cutting into chunks to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess moisture.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for advance preparation.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs, and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to adapt the recipe.

• What if I don't have all the spices listed?

You can substitute with an all-purpose seasoning blend or use herbs like dried thyme or rosemary to add flavor to the dish.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ritz cracker chicken casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to dinner tables with its crispy, creamy layers of pure satisfaction. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a Southern-style dish that promises warmth and deliciousness in every single bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Main Proteins:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken

Crackers and Breading:

• 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Cheese and Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, eggs, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.
3. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, ensuring uniform cooking and easy serving.
4. Fold the diced chicken and chicken chunks into the creamy sauce, coating each piece thoroughly.
5. In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan cheese to create a crunchy topping.
6. Transfer the sauced chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken layer, creating a rich, melty foundation.
8. Distribute the cracker-breadcrumb mixture uniformly across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a cleaner, less processed alternative that boosts flavor and reduces sodium.
• Replace whole milk with low-fat or plant-based milk to create a lighter, diet-friendly version without compromising creamy texture.
• Toast breadcrumb topping in a skillet before adding to enhance crunchiness and develop deeper, nuttier flavor profiles.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère or smoked gouda to elevate the casserole’s complexity and add unexpected richness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg