Zesty Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crispy ritz cracker chicken casserole brings comfort and nostalgia to your dinner table with its golden, crunchy topping.

Crushed crackers add a delightful texture that makes every bite memorable.

Weeknight meals demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with creamy sauce and buttery cracker crumbs.

Childhood memories might dance across your palate with each forkful of this classic dish.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole That Pleases

• Savor Quick Comfort: Dive into a hearty chicken casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients like different meats, adding vegetables, or experimenting with various seasoning blends to match your taste preferences.
• Family-Pleasing Delight: Create a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with its crispy cracker topping and creamy chicken base ensuring smiles around the dinner table.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Enjoy a one-dish wonder that minimizes kitchen mess, using a single baking dish and requiring simple preparation steps for stress-free cooking and cleaning.

Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary component of this comforting casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich and smooth base that helps bind the casserole together.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps maintain moisture in the dish.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly sharp flavor profile to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These dried seasonings offer a well-rounded savory taste.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Delivers a crispy and buttery golden-brown crust that adds texture to the casserole.
• Butter: Helps the cracker topping achieve a rich, golden color and adds richness.

• Scallions: Provides a fresh and mild onion-like flavor and adds a pop of color to the finished dish.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth
• Dijon mustard
• Scallions
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Stir everything until well blended and spread evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Create Crispy Cracker Topping

Crush the Ritz crackers into delightful crumbs and mix thoroughly with melted butter. Ensure every cracker piece gets a buttery coating.

Sprinkle this golden mixture completely over the chicken layer.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Fire up the oven to 350°F.

Slide the casserole inside and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Watch for the topping to turn a beautiful golden brown and the edges to start bubbling with delicious promise.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle some fresh scallions on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and the cracker topping remains wonderfully crisp.

Tips to Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole.
• Swap regular Ritz crackers with whole wheat or gluten-free versions for dietary restrictions.
• Enhance the dish's creaminess by adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese between the chicken mixture and cracker topping.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Try fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate the casserole's overall taste profile.

Variations on Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Cracker Crust: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with firm tofu, plant-based chicken alternatives, or roasted chickpeas for a meat-free option.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup, reduced-sodium chicken broth, and omit added salt to create a heart-healthy alternative.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Version: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary, and swap Dijon mustard for lemon zest and olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Chardonnay's buttery notes perfectly complement the creamy chicken casserole's rich texture, cutting through the dish's heaviness with elegant acidity.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, adding crisp freshness and cutting through the creamy elements.
• Craft simple roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus with garlic and olive oil, providing a slightly charred vegetable contrast to the smooth casserole texture.
• Offer a sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused iced tea to refresh the palate, bringing zesty brightness that enhances the dish's savory components.

Storage Advice for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Freezing: Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Oven Reheating: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What makes Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole a crowd-pleaser?

This dish combines creamy chicken mixture with a crispy buttery cracker topping, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that appeals to both kids and adults.

• Can I use different types of crackers for the topping?

While Ritz crackers are traditional, you can substitute with similar buttery crackers like Club or saltine crackers to achieve a comparable crispy texture.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Yes, the casserole uses common pantry ingredients and leftover chicken, making it an economical meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

• How can I ensure the casserole stays moist?

The combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth helps maintain moisture, preventing the dish from becoming dry during baking.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ritz cracker chicken casserole combines creamy comfort with crunchy texture for an irresistible family meal. Crispy crackers and tender chicken create a delightful blend of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups (1.9 L) shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 10.5 oz cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 8 oz container sour cream
• 2 sleeves Ritz® crackers (approximately 60 crackers), crushed
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 mL) thinly sliced scallions
• 1.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp onion powder
• 1.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring a smooth cooking workflow.
2. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, scallions, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create an even base layer.
3. Crush Ritz crackers and blend with melted butter until each cracker piece is fully coated with buttery goodness.
4. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly across the chicken base, creating a crisp and golden topping.
5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling center and a rich golden-brown cracker crust.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.
7. Garnish with fresh scallion slices for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Use olive oil or plant-based butter for a lighter, heart-healthier alternative to traditional butter in the cracker topping.
• Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes to make the casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or canned tuna for a quick variation that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Incorporate diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the base mixture to increase nutritional value and add extra texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 349 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 773 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg