What ingredients do I need to make Ritz cracker chicken casserole?

To make Ritz cracker chicken casserole, you’ll need cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked breasts), condensed chicken soup, sour cream, Italian seasoning, sliced green onions, salt, pepper, crushed Ritz crackers, and melted unsalted butter. These ingredients combine to create a creamy filling topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust.

Can I make Ritz cracker chicken casserole ahead of time or freeze it?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for a day before baking. It also freezes well unbaked for up to two months—wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. After cooking, leftovers may also be frozen, but the texture of the cracker topping can change.

What is the best way to bake and serve Ritz cracker chicken casserole?

Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It pairs nicely with steamed vegetables like broccoli or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

How can I customize the seasoning or add vegetables to Ritz cracker chicken casserole?

You can add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild kick. For extra nutrition and variety, mix in frozen peas, corn, or chopped broccoli before baking. Adding shredded cheddar cheese under the cracker topping also adds flavor and creaminess.

Is it possible to make this casserole in a larger baking dish?

Yes, if you want to use a 13x9-inch baking dish, simply double all the ingredient amounts. The baking time will stay about the same, but check that the casserole is heated through and the cracker topping is golden before removing from the oven.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe for Crispy Family Meals

Name: Easy and Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe for Family Meals
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 to 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt); ½ cup sliced green onions (or substitute with regular onion or shallot); ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 to 2 sleeves crushed Ritz crackers (about 75 grams); ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted melted butter

Description

🍗 This Easy and Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting family favorite that combines tender chicken with a crunchy, buttery cracker topping.
🧀 This dish is simple to prepare with common ingredients and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, delivering both creamy texture and delightful crispiness.

Ingredients

Scale

3 to 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
½ cup sliced green onions (or substitute with regular onion or shallot)
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 to 2 sleeves crushed Ritz crackers (about 75 grams)
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch (2.5 quart) baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sliced green onions, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Fold the cooked and shredded chicken into the creamy mixture until fully coated.
4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
6. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

🧂 Use unsalted butter and low-sodium crackers to control the salt content.
🧄 Add extra spices such as cayenne pepper or extra garlic powder to enhance flavor.
🥄 Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to make it easier to portion and serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 475 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 740 mg
Fat: 37 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken, Crispy Chicken Casserole, Family Chicken Recipe, Creamy Chicken Bake