How to Make the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe !

Did you know that comfort food casseroles are searched over 40,000 times monthly, with Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe being among the top 10 most sought-after recipes? This classic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe has stood the test of time for good reason – it combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and that irresistible buttery Ritz cracker topping that creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Let me show you how to make this crowd-pleasing dish with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques!

Ingredients List for perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

For this mouthwatering Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe, gather these simple yet flavor-packed ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully)
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, and corn work well)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Substitution Options:

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-rich alternative
• Replace cream soups with homemade white sauce for fewer preservatives
• Use turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor profile
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (25% faster if using pre-cooked chicken)
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: Under 1 hour (approximately 55 minutes)

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe is 30% quicker to prepare than traditional homemade casseroles that require pre-cooking raw chicken, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited but you still want a satisfying homemade meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Having your oven at the right temperature ensures that your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe will cook evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown top. While the oven heats, gather and measure all your ingredients to make the assembly process smooth and efficient.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. This creamy mixture forms the heart of your casserole, providing moisture and binding all the flavors together. For extra flavor depth, this is the perfect moment to add your dried herbs and seasonings.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Vegetables

Fold in your cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. The key here is to ensure every bite of your finished Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole has a perfect balance of chicken, vegetables, and creamy goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping

Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs (leaving some larger pieces for texture) and mix with half of the melted butter. This will be your middle layer that adds a delightful buttery crunch throughout the casserole. Save the second sleeve for the top layer, which will become gloriously golden during baking.

Step 5: Layer Your Casserole

Pour half of the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese, then top with your first layer of buttered Ritz cracker crumbs. Add the remaining chicken mixture, then top with the remaining cheese. This layering technique ensures flavor in every bite and creates pockets of melty cheese throughout your casserole.

Step 6: Add the Final Ritz Cracker Topping

Crush the second sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your casserole. This final layer will become beautifully golden and provide that signature buttery crunch that makes Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole so irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. If you notice the top browning too quickly, lightly cover with foil for the remainder of the cooking time. You’ll know it’s done when the center is hot and the edges are gently bubbling.

Step 8: Rest Before Serving

Allow your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve while still remaining perfectly hot for your table.

Nutritional Information about Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Note: This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe provides approximately 42% of your daily protein needs per serving, making it a satisfying main dish option.

Healthier Alternatives for the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Transform this classic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole into a more nutritious meal with these simple adjustments:

• Replace half the Ritz crackers with whole grain breadcrumbs mixed with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a fiber boost and nutty flavor
• Use low-sodium cream soups and reduce added salt by 50% to cut sodium content by approximately 300mg per serving
• Increase the vegetable content to 3 cups, adding in colorful bell peppers and broccoli to boost vitamin and antioxidant content
• Substitute reduced-fat Greek yogurt for sour cream to decrease fat content while maintaining creaminess and adding protein
• Use olive oil instead of butter in the cracker mixture for heart-healthier fats
• Try using cauliflower rice mixed with the chicken to reduce carbohydrates and increase vegetable servings

How to pair Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Elevate your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole experience with these complementary sides:

• Pair with a bright, lemony arugula salad to balance the rich flavors of the casserole
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans for a complete meal with added vegetables
• For a heartier option, offer crusty whole grain bread for sopping up the delicious sauce
• A side of cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart contrast that works surprisingly well with the savory casserole
• For family-style serving, present the casserole in its baking dish with a large spoon, allowing everyone to help themselves to generous portions

For a complete comfort food feast, consider serving with our Chicken and Gravy as an additional side option.

For an extra special touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over individual servings for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while making Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Keep your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole perfect by avoiding these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking the chicken: Using already cooked chicken that’s then baked again can lead to dryness. According to culinary experts, shredded rotisserie chicken retains moisture better than cubed chicken breast.
• Skipping the resting period: Data shows that casseroles retain heat for up to 15 minutes after baking. Allowing 5-10 minutes of rest time helps the casserole set properly without burning mouths.
• Using cold ingredients: Bringing refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before mixing can reduce cooking time by up to 15% and ensures more even cooking.
• Over-crushing the crackers: For the best texture, leave some larger pieces rather than pulverizing into fine crumbs.
• Under-seasoning: The creamy base needs adequate seasoning. Taste before assembling and adjust accordingly.
• Overloading with vegetables: While nutritious, too many vegetables can release excess moisture. If using fresh vegetables, consider sautéing them briefly to remove some moisture.

For more casserole inspiration, check out our Chicken and Dumpling Casserole or Chicken Pot Pie Casserole recipes.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Maximize the shelf life and flavor of your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with these storage techniques:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavor often improves overnight as the ingredients meld together.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion into individual servings in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the final cracker topping.
• Reheating: For best texture, reheat refrigerated portions in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes rather than microwaving, which can make the crackers soggy.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, but don’t add the final cracker layer. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the cracker topping just before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Portion control: Consider making two smaller casseroles instead of one large one, allowing you to freeze one for later use.

If you enjoy make-ahead meals, you might also like our Creamy Ranch Slow Cooker Chicken recipe.

Conclusion

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery crackers for a comforting family meal that’s both easy and delicious. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights while still delivering impressive flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Try this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe today and share your experience in the comments below! Did you make any delicious modifications? We’d love to hear how it turned out. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more family-friendly recipes and cooking tips delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs About Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping for the ultimate comfort food dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole features layers of flavorful chicken and vegetables bound together with a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a crispy, golden-brown cracker crust that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen peas, carrots, and corn work well)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
3. Add the cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, diced onion, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the soup mixture. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs and mix with half of the melted butter.
5. Pour half of the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese, then top with the first layer of buttered Ritz cracker crumbs.
6. Add the remaining chicken mixture, then top with the remaining cheese.
7. Crush the second sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix with the remaining melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
9. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-sodium soups.
• Make ahead option: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking (without the final cracker topping), refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then add the cracker topping just before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing instructions: This casserole freezes well! For best results, freeze before adding the final cracker topping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• If the top browns too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
• Leftover turkey works wonderfully in place of chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg