Can I use something other than cream of chicken soup?

Absolutely! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work incredibly well, and each brings its own depth of flavor. Even homemade “cream of” soup or a thick béchamel can step in for a more from-scratch option.

What other veggies work well in this casserole?

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—swap in any veggie you love or need to use up. Try carrots, diced zucchini, broccoli, sweet potato, bell peppers, or even parsnips. It’s a great way to clean out the produce drawer!

How do I serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole for a full meal?

A fresh salad bursting with crunchy raw veggies makes a terrific side, balancing out the rich, creamy casserole. A simple slaw, roasted green beans, or even steamed asparagus work wonderfully, too. For extra heartiness, ladle casserole over rice or serve with rolls.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the cracker-and-butter topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add the crackers and melted butter just before it goes in the oven to keep the crunch intact.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Name: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups shredded chicken (cooked); 1 cup sour cream; 2 cans cream of chicken soup; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 10 oz mixed veggies (frozen or thawed); 1/2 tsp onion powder; Pepper, to taste; 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed; 1 stick butter, melted

Looking for a true crowd-pleaser that practically cooks itself? Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole brings together simple pantry staples and hearty ingredients to create a creamy, comforting meal in no time. This dish is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, combining tender chicken, crisp-tender veggies, tangy sour cream, and a golden, buttery cracker topping—all bubbling together in just 40 minutes. Each bite strikes the perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and creamy, making it an absolute staple when you need quick comfort food without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Best of Both Worlds: It’s creamy and hearty underneath, with a fabulously buttery, crisp topping. Yes, the crackers are non-negotiable—trust me, they make the dish!
Ridiculously Easy & Fast: Ten minutes of prep is all it takes before the oven does the rest. You literally toss everything together and let it bake away.
Perfect for Leftover Chicken: Got rotisserie chicken from last night? Into the casserole it goes. No special prep needed.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the comforting textures and mild, savory flavors here.
Ultimate Weeknight Saver: Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply prepping ahead for busy evenings, this casserole has you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No complex ingredients here! Here’s what you’ll need and why it belongs in the pan:

Shredded Chicken: The star. Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken both work perfectly; makes things speedy and adds hearty protein.
Sour Cream: For that irresistible tang and creamy texture. It cuts richness and adds lushness without being too heavy.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Shortcut alert! This brings deep, savory chicken flavor and makes a silky base for the casserole.
Tip: If desired, use homemade or low-sodium for a lighter touch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty bite and helps everything meld together beautifully. Never skip the cheese.
Mixed Veggies (Frozen or Fresh): Color, nutrients, and a nice, subtle bite. Classic frozen mixes save time, but feel free to chop your favorites.
Onion Powder: For mellow, sweet aromatic flavor without the hassle of chopping onions.
Black Pepper: To taste; a little goes a long way to balance the creamy richness.
Ritz Crackers: The topping that makes this casserole legendary. Buttery and extra crunchy—they’re essential.
Butter (Melted): Pour over the crackers to achieve an ultra-crispy, golden finish. Don’t be shy—this is what makes that top layer unforgettable.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This casserole is as adaptable as it is delicious. Here are some options to try:

Swap the Soup: For a different twist, use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
Go Vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and add more veggies, or try with chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed mushrooms.
Playing with Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix all work beautifully instead of parmesan.
Boost the Veggies: Add broccoli, diced bell peppers, spinach, or even roasted sweet potato for a nutritional upgrade.
Add a Kick: Throw in a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or a hit of hot sauce to wake up the flavors.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Set the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, blend together shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, parmesan cheese, mixed veggies, onion powder, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated—this takes only a minute!

Step 3: Into the Dish

Spread this creamy mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top so it bakes up perfectly.

Step 4: Top with Crackers

Take two sleeves of Ritz crackers, crush them right over the filling (kids love to help with this step!), and spread evenly for maximum crunch.

Step 5: Add Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted butter all over your crushed crackers. Every inch should get a bit so the topping gets that signature golden crunch.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for about 30–35 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and the topping looks golden brown and crisp.

Step 7: Serve

Let it cool a few minutes—this helps it set and prevents burns. Then scoop and serve!

Tip: This recipe doubles or halves easily; adjust dish size and baking time as needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Short on Time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken—huge time saver with zero compromise on flavor.
Cracker Texture Matters: Don’t crush the crackers into dust—aim for bite-sized chunks for best crunch factor.
Customize the Creaminess: Love it extra creamy? Add an extra dollop of sour cream or a splash of milk.
Perfect Topping: Pour that butter as evenly as possible so every crumb gets crispy.
Reheat for Crunch: If using leftovers, reheat portions in the air fryer or oven for a crisp top—microwaves make the topping softer.

How to Serve

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but here’s how to make it an even more satisfying meal:

Classic Style: Serve as is for a fuss-free, soul-warming dinner.
With Rice: Spoon over a fluffy bed of rice for extra substance—perfect if you’re feeding big appetites.
Fresh Greens: Pair with a crisp garden salad or some steamed green beans to lighten up the plate.
Family Comfort Feast: Add warm rolls or garlic bread for dunking in that creamy sauce. Bonus points for a side of cranberry sauce in winter months!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Casserole leftovers store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor only gets better.

Freezing

Freeze in portioned containers—ideal for meal prep or last-minute dinners. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Microwave: Quick and easy. Heat in 30-second bursts until hot throughout.
Oven/Air Fryer: Best for regaining that crisp topping! Bake at 350°F for 5–10 minutes until sizzling again.

Tip: Add an extra sprinkle of cheese before reheating for added gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use something other than cream of chicken soup?

Absolutely! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery both work incredibly well, and each brings its own depth of flavor. Even homemade “cream of” soup or a thick béchamel can step in for a more from-scratch option.
What other veggies work well in this casserole?

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—swap in any veggie you love or need to use up. Try carrots, diced zucchini, broccoli, sweet potato, bell peppers, or even parsnips. It’s a great way to clean out the produce drawer!
How do I serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole for a full meal?

A fresh salad bursting with crunchy raw veggies makes a terrific side, balancing out the rich, creamy casserole. A simple slaw, roasted green beans, or even steamed asparagus work wonderfully, too. For extra heartiness, ladle casserole over rice or serve with rolls.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the cracker-and-butter topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Add the crackers and melted butter just before it goes in the oven to keep the crunch intact.

Final Thoughts

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the definition of easy comfort food—quick to prepare, endlessly flexible, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you’re racing against the clock or settling in for a cozy night, this dish packs bold flavor and crave-worthy texture with next to no effort. If you’re seeking a dinner winner that’s sure to earn repeat requests, this casserole never disappoints. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a new family favorite!