Ultimate Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Introduction

Discover this easy, comforting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings. This recipe brings together a creamy, savory chicken filling with an irresistible, buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Casseroles have a rich history in American cuisine, evolving into beloved comfort foods often associated with family gatherings and convenience, as explored in the history of casseroles in America. You will love how simple ingredients transform into a maximum flavor meal everyone requests. It’s a quick dish to prepare, proving that simplicity truly leads to satisfying home cooking. Prepare to add this fantastic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole to your regular meal rotation. You’ll find it a go-to for effortless comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a game-changer for your meal rotation, truly embodying simplicity and comfort.

• Effortless Preparation: You’ll find it incredibly easy to put together, requiring minimal ingredients and fuss for this simple dinner.
• Rich & Creamy: Enjoy the incredibly rich, savory, and wonderfully creamy chicken filling that forms the heart of this dish.
• Irresistible Crunch: The golden, buttery, crunchy cracker crust offers a delightful contrast in texture that everyone adores.
• Family Favorite: It’s a beloved classic, easily customizable to suit any taste preferences your family might have. This makes it the ultimate family chicken casserole.
• Time-Saving: Best of all, it’s quick to assemble, making it the ideal easy chicken casserole for even your busiest evenings.

Ingredients

Gather your simple ingredients for this incredible Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. This combination ensures a flavorful, comforting dish every time you make it.

• 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of chicken with herbs soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup sliced green onion
• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (a family size rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to adjust these ingredients to fit your pantry or dietary needs. These simple swaps make this creamy chicken bake even more versatile.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Use regular cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or cream of celery. For a homemade touch, prepare your own cream soup base.
• Sour Cream: Substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option in your Ritz Chicken Casserole. Avoid mayonnaise.
• Green Onion: This is optional for mild flavor. For a stronger taste, try finely diced regular onion or shallot.
• Chicken: Any cooked chicken works! Use shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, canned chicken, or simply boiled chicken breasts.
• Ritz Crackers: If Ritz are unavailable, saltine or club crackers make suitable alternatives. For lower sodium, opt for unsalted crackers.
• Salted Butter: Unsalted butter is a good choice if you prefer to control salt. Add a pinch of salt to the cracker topping mixture.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this simple recipe, making cleanup a breeze. This helps ensure your Ritz cracker chicken casserole comes out perfectly.

• 2.5-quart baking dish (or a 9×9 inch square baking dish), ideal for this size casserole.
• Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients effectively.
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate proportions, ensuring consistent results.
• Non-stick cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick to the dish.

Instructions

Creating your comforting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these detailed steps for a perfectly creamy and crispy meal that will quickly become a family favorite. This easy casserole method is ideal for any home cook.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your oven rack is in the middle position for optimal, even baking. A properly preheated oven is key for achieving that golden-brown crust and bubbly interior.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Generously spray a 2.5-quart or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the creamy chicken mixture from sticking to the dish, making serving and cleanup much easier later.
3. Combine Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the entire 10.5 ounce can of condensed cream of chicken with herbs soup, 1 cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of sliced green onion. Use a spatula or spoon to mix these ingredients until they are completely smooth and well-integrated.
4. Add Chicken: Gently stir in the 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken into the creamy soup mixture. Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. This step ensures every bite of your chicken and cracker casserole has that wonderful flavor.
5. Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of your spoon or spatula to create a flat, consistent layer across the bottom of the dish. This ensures the casserole bakes uniformly and cooks through evenly.
6. Prepare Cracker Topping: In that same large bowl (to minimize dirty dishes!), combine the contents of 2 sleeves of crushed Ritz crackers with ½ cup (1 stick) of melted salted butter. Toss the cracker crumbs gently with a fork or your hands until all pieces are thoroughly moistened with the butter. This buttery blend is what makes the topping so addictive on your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
7. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture generously and evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Cover the entire surface with the crumbs to form a crispy, golden crust that adds incredible texture.
8. Bake to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the casserole into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is ready when the edges are visibly bubbly and the cracker topping achieves a beautiful, irresistible golden brown color. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Enhance your next Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with these simple tips for ultimate flavor and texture, ensuring a perfect bake every time.

• Chicken Prep is Key: Always ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the mixture. To ensure a safe and delicious meal, it’s important to follow proper guidelines for handling and cooking poultry, as outlined by USDA guidelines for chicken safety. This guarantees a safe and tender casserole.
• Cracker Consistency: Crush your crackers to your desired texture. Some prefer fine crumbs for a uniform topping, while others enjoy larger pieces for more pronounced crunch in their chicken bake.
• Avoid Overbaking: Baking just until bubbly and golden prevents the casserole from drying out, maintaining its delightful creaminess. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes.
• Cheesy Boost: For extra indulgence, stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese directly into the chicken mixture before spreading it. This adds another layer of comfort.
• Flavor Enhancers: Season the chicken mixture to taste. A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of black pepper can really elevate the flavors of this classic dish, making your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole even better.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole pairs well with many sides and offers flexible storage options.

• Serving: Enjoy this comforting dish with simple sides. Pair it with steamed broccoli, corn, green beans, or a fresh side salad. For a heartier meal, serve it over rice or egg noodles. This chicken bake with Ritz crackers makes a complete meal.
• Storage:
  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw completely before baking.
  • Freezer (Baked): Portion into airtight containers, freeze, reheat gently.
• Variations:
  • Add Veggies: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, peas, or broccoli florets for extra nutrition.
  • Cream Cheese Richness: Incorporate softened cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
  • Spice it Up: Experiment with different seasonings like ranch mix or smoked paprika.

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can help you make informed choices. This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole provides a satisfying balance of macros and essential nutrients per serving. Please remember these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used in your kitchen, so consider them a guideline.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Get answers to common questions about making this delightful Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. These insights will help you master this comforting dish.

• Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

  Yes, assemble your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole ahead of time. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, or freeze it unbaked for longer storage.

• Q2: What kind of chicken works best?

  Any cooked chicken is perfect. Rotisserie, leftover, canned, or freshly cooked and shredded chicken are all great options for your easy chicken bake.

• Q3: Can I use a different condensed soup?

  Absolutely. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives that also work wonderfully in this recipe.

• Q4: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

  Yes, you can easily incorporate vegetables. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, peas, or broccoli florets for added nutrition and color.

• Q5: How should I store leftover casserole?

  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, ready for quick reheating. This makes meal prep simple.

Conclusion

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole offers a truly delicious, fuss-free meal solution for any day of the week. You’ll love its rich, creamy texture perfectly contrasted with a wonderfully crispy, buttery topping. It is a comforting dish that brings joy to the dinner table, perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. Don’t wait; try this easy and satisfying Ritz chicken bake tonight for a family favorite! This simple recipe proves that home cooking can be both quick and incredibly rewarding.

Ultimate Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

This comforting casserole features tender shredded chicken mixed in a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. It's a perfect easy weeknight meal that's sure to be a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 28 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of chicken with herbs soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup sliced green onion
• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken I used a family size rotisserie chicken

Cracker Topping

• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers crushed
• 0.5 cup salted butter 1 stick, melted

Equipment

• Baking dish (2.5 quart or 9x9 inch)
• Large bowl

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 2.5 quart or 9x9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken with herbs soup, sour cream, and sliced green onion.
3. Stir in the cooked and shredded chicken, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Assembly and Baking

1. In the same bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted salted butter.
2. Sprinkle this cracker mixture generously over the chicken casserole.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Notes

For best results, ensure the chicken is thoroughly shredded. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to prevent the cracker topping from burning.