If you’re looking for a comfort food classic that feels like a warm hug from the inside, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe. This dish blends tender, shredded chicken with a dreamy, creamy sauce and finishes off with that irresistible buttery Ritz cracker topping. I promise, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to weeknight meal — simple, cozy, and downright delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crazy creamy texture: The combo of cream of chicken soup and sour cream makes the chicken super moist and velvety.
- Crunchy buttery topping: Ritz crackers soaked in melted butter bake into a golden, crispy crust that’s irresistible.
- Ready in under an hour: Perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort food without the fuss.
- Family-approved: My family goes crazy for this — it’s always a crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic here comes from simple pantry staples paired with cooked chicken. I always stock up on Ritz crackers because their buttery flavor is just unbeatable in this casserole.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: This is your creamy base and gives the casserole that classic comfort food flavor.
- Italian seasoning: It adds just the right herbaceous note without overpowering the dish.
- Sour cream: For extra richness and a slight tang that balances the creaminess.
- Sliced green onion: Adds freshness and a subtle bite to brighten things up.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts—a great way to use what you have.
- Ritz crackers: Crushing two sleeves ensures a thick, crunchy topping you’ll love.
- Salted butter (melted): This buttery goodness binds the cracker topping so it bakes perfectly crispy and golden.
Variations
I like to keep things simple with the classic Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe, but don’t be afraid to switch things up depending on your mood or pantry. It’s so versatile!
- Add cheese: I sometimes stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an extra melty, cheesy experience that my family absolutely loves.
- Use different herbs: Thyme or rosemary can be swapped in place of Italian seasoning for a twist on flavor.
- Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños heats things up nicely if you enjoy a little kick.
- Vegetable boost: Toss in some cooked broccoli or peas for added color and nutrition — it blends beautifully into the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare & Mix the Creamy Base
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180ºC) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray — trust me, this makes cleanup easier. In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, and sliced green onions. I love this step because it’s quick and gets all those flavors blending beautifully. Once smooth, stir in your shredded chicken until every piece is coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Spread your creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This is where the cozy magic starts to happen. Your base is loaded with flavors ready to get that toasty topping.
Step 3: Create the Buttery Ritz Topping
In a small bowl, crush two sleeves of Ritz crackers — I like to do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and gently pounding them with a rolling pin. Then, mix the crushed crackers with the melted salted butter until all the crumbs are coated. This mixture becomes the golden, crunchy crust baked right on top of your casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle your cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is beautifully golden brown and you see little bubbles around the edges. I like to let it rest for a few minutes before serving to let those flavors settle.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Use warm shredded chicken: It blends better into the creamy mixture and heats through more evenly in the casserole.
- Don’t over-crush the crackers: Leaving some bigger crumbs gives you that perfect crunchy texture on top.
- Add a little extra butter: It makes the crust golden and flavorful rather than just toasted.
- Let it rest after baking: Helps the casserole set and makes serving cleaner.
How to Serve Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a handful of fresh chopped parsley or extra sliced green onions on top after baking—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that perks up the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
To keep the meal balanced, I usually serve this with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans. Roasted carrots or a simple cucumber salad also round out the plate nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins to make personal servings. It’s charming for guests and makes plating super easy! Adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top just before serving can give it that gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are just as delicious the next day! I store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making reheated portions even tastier.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole before, and it works great! Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking until bubbly and warmed through again.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to keep the topping crispy. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works, but the crust will soften a bit. A quick pop under the broiler at the end can revive some crunch though!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of crackers instead of Ritz for the topping?
Absolutely! While Ritz crackers give a buttery, flaky crust, buttery crackers like Saltines or even crushed buttery breadcrumbs can work well too. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might change slightly.
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Is it okay to use fresh chicken instead of cooked and shredded?
You can, but you’ll need to cook the chicken first—either bake, poach, or sauté until fully cooked and then shred it. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and ensures even cooking in the casserole.
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Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to keep the crunchy topping while avoiding gluten.
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How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost and less fat, and choose low-sodium cream of chicken soup. Adding more veggies to the mix is another easy way to up the nutrition.
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What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
I find using two forks is the classic approach, but if you have a stand mixer, you can toss warm cooked chicken in the bowl and pulse with the paddle attachment for 20-30 seconds. It’s a total game changer when you’re in a hurry!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those reliable dishes that never fails to comfort and delight. I’ve made it countless times for busy nights, family dinners, and even last-minute guests, and it always wins hearts. The best part? It’s so easy to whip up with ingredients you probably already have at home. Give it a try—I’m excited for you to taste that perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crunchy goodness!
Print
Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken baked in a rich mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Italian seasoning, topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, it combines cheesy flavor with a crispy topping that pleases any crowd.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 1/2 cup condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup sliced green onion
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
Topping
- 1 cup crumbled Ritz crackers (about 2 sleeves)
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180ºC) and lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Chicken Base: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, and sliced green onions. Stir these ingredients together until well blended.
- Add Chicken: Fold in the cooked and shredded chicken ensuring it is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Then, spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and can hold together slightly when pressed.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the chicken casserole in the baking dish to form a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Ritz cracker topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Notes
- This casserole is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it a perfect cozy meal for any night.
- Using crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter for the topping gives a wonderful crunch and buttery taste that compliments the creamy chicken base.
- For added nutrition or texture, consider mixing in vegetables like peas or mushrooms into the chicken mixture before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain the crunchy topping.
- For a lower sodium version, use reduced-sodium soup and lightly salted or unsalted butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 614
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 712 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 51 g
- Cholesterol: 149 mg
