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

Description

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a creamy and comforting main-course dish featuring tender shredded chicken, mixed veggies, a rich sauce, and a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping. This family-friendly casserole is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or potluck dinners.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main 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

Topping

2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
1 stick butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mixed veggies, Parmesan cheese, pepper, and onion powder. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, transfer the chicken mixture into it, and smooth out the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Add Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers and spread them evenly over the top of the casserole. Pour the melted butter evenly over the crushed crackers, ensuring full coverage for optimal crispiness.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it as-is or serve over rice with a fresh garden salad.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-40 second increments until hot.
For a crispy topping when reheating, use an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes in an oven-safe dish.
You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for cream of chicken soup.
Feel free to add extra veggies such as carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, onions, zucchini, sweet potatoes, parsnip, or garbanzo beans.
Serve with a side salad or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 1106mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.003g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 130mg