When you need a dinner that’s cozy, creamy, and guaranteed to make everyone happy, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the answer. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce topped with buttery, golden Ritz crackers for the perfect crunch. Best of all, it comes together quickly with simple pantry staples, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want an easy meal that tastes like you put in extra effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy, comforting flavors that the whole family will adore.
- Crunchy Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful texture.
- Versatile recipe; customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
- Step 3: Carefully transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is delicious!
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. This will create a crunchy topping that everyone will love!
- Step 5: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Then, top with the buttered cracker crumbs, and finish with the remaining cheese for that extra cheesy goodness.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Step 7: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients for this delectable Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole!
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded or diced
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers – crushed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – for creamy texture
- 1/2 cup sour cream – adds richness
- 1/2 cup milk – for consistency
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for cheesy goodness
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – for flavor
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – to mix with the crackers
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances taste
- salt and pepper – to taste
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This delightful Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a breeze to prepare! With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25–30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, crunchy family dinner ready in no time. Don’t forget to let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let those flavors meld beautifully!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This will ensure your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish
Carefully transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite is delicious!
Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. This will create a crunchy topping that everyone will love!
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole. Then, top with the buttered cracker crumbs, and finish with the remaining cheese for that extra cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Dietary | Comfort food |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Warm and bubbly |
Pro Tips for Making Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Crush the Ritz crackers finely for a more even topping.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful base.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright flavor boost.
- Mix in some veggies like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
How to Serve this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Serve with a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy side.
- Top with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
- For a fun twist, serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with ease:
Storing Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- For a crispy topping, uncover for the last 5-10 minutes.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is the best Ritz cracker topping for casseroles?
The best Ritz cracker topping for casseroles is a simple crushed Ritz cracker mixture combined with melted butter. This creates a deliciously crunchy and buttery topping that enhances the flavor and texture of your casserole. You can also mix in some grated cheese or herbs for added flavor!
2. What are some common mistakes to avoid when making chicken rice casserole?
Some common mistakes to avoid include not cooking the rice beforehand, which can lead to a mushy texture, or using too much liquid, which can make the casserole soupy. Additionally, be sure to season your chicken and other ingredients well to enhance the overall flavor of the dish!
3. What is a million dollar chicken casserole?
A million dollar chicken casserole is a creamy and cheesy dish that typically includes chicken, cream cheese, and a crunchy topping, often made with Ritz crackers. It’s called ‘million dollar’ because of its rich flavor and comforting qualities, making it a favorite for family dinners!
4. What are the ingredients in a 4 ingredient chicken casserole?
A simple 4 ingredient chicken casserole usually includes cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, rice, and a vegetable like broccoli or green beans. This easy combination makes for a quick and satisfying meal that can be customized with your favorite seasonings or toppings!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole as we are! It’s a delightful blend of creamy goodness and crunchy texture that will surely bring smiles to your dinner table. Simple to make and oh-so-rewarding, this dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy every bite!