There’s something magical about a casserole that brings everyone to the table without any fuss. I remember the first time I made this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole on a busy Tuesday evening. Lila had ballet practice, Jack needed help with his science project, and I was running on just two cups of coffee.
My sister Grace popped by and said, “Emily, you need something quick but comforting tonight.” She was absolutely right. I pulled together this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole, and within an hour, my kitchen smelled like heaven. The buttery Ritz crackers on top turned golden and crispy, while the creamy chicken filling bubbled underneath.
When Mark was still with us, he’d always say that the best meals don’t need fancy ingredients—they just need heart. This casserole embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s become our go-to weeknight dinner, potluck star, and comfort food champion all rolled into one delicious dish.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Casserole
This creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole delivers everything you want in a family dinner. First, it comes together in under 15 minutes of prep time. Second, you probably have most ingredients in your pantry right now. Third, even picky eaters devour this dish without complaints.
The combination of tender chicken, velvety cream sauce, and that iconic Ritz cracker topping creates pure comfort in every bite. Additionally, this casserole feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. I’ve served this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole at church potlucks, family gatherings, and regular weeknight dinners. It always gets rave reviews.
Furthermore, you can customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Grace likes to add extra cheese, while I sometimes sneak in vegetables for the kids. The versatility makes this recipe a true kitchen workhorse. Most importantly, it tastes like you spent hours cooking when you actually spent minutes assembling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole is incredibly simple. Here’s everything you need to create this comforting dish:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded | 3 cups |
| Cream of chicken soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each) |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Frozen mixed vegetables | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups, divided |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Ritz crackers | 1 sleeve (about 35-40 crackers) |
| Butter, melted | 6 tablespoons |
The beauty of this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole lies in its straightforward ingredient list. I often use rotisserie chicken to save even more time. The Ritz crackers provide that signature buttery crunch that makes this casserole unforgettable.
Substitutions & Variations
One reason I adore this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand or dietary preferences.
For the chicken, rotisserie chicken works beautifully. Alternatively, use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving. I’ve even made this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole with canned chicken in a pinch, though fresh tastes better.
Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery. Each variation brings a slightly different flavor profile. If you prefer homemade, whip up a simple white sauce instead of using canned soup.
The vegetables offer another opportunity for customization. Swap frozen mixed vegetables for broccoli florets, green beans, or peas. Grace sometimes adds diced bell peppers for extra color. You can even make this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole without vegetables if your kids protest.
For cheese, try Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican blend. Each brings unique flavor to this comforting casserole. Want it lighter? Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the cheese by half.
Finally, the Ritz crackers can be substituted with butter crackers, crushed cornflakes, or even panko breadcrumbs. However, I truly believe Ritz crackers make this dish special.
One reason I adore this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand or dietary preferences. For a delightful dessert to follow, try these creamy mini oreo cheesecake bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole couldn’t be easier. Even on my busiest days, I can pull this together without stress.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even cooking throughout the casserole. Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir everything together until well blended. The mixture should look creamy and smooth.
Add the frozen vegetables, one cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This creamy mixture forms the heart of your creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole.
Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese over the top for extra richness.
Now for the star of the show—the Ritz cracker topping. Crush the crackers into coarse crumbs. I usually place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Lila and Jack love helping with this step.
In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Distribute this buttery mixture evenly over the casserole. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum crunch.
Bake the creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole for 30-35 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the filling should bubble around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly for easier serving.
Pro Tips for Success
After making this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee perfect results every time.
First, don’t skip seasoning your chicken mixture properly. Taste it before adding to the baking dish. Consequently, you can adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Canned soups can be salty, so season gradually.
Second, use cold butter for the cracker topping if you want extra-crispy results. The cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts, making the topping even crunchier. Alternatively, brown the butter first for a nutty flavor dimension.
Third, don’t thaw frozen vegetables before adding them to this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole. Adding them frozen prevents excess moisture from making the casserole watery. This keeps the texture perfect.
Fourth, crush your Ritz crackers to varying sizes. Some larger pieces add interesting texture contrast. However, avoid turning them into powder—you want recognizable cracker pieces.
Fifth, if your family loves extra cheese like mine does, create a cheese layer beneath the cracker topping. This creates pockets of melted, gooey cheese throughout the creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole.
Finally, make this casserole ahead of time. Assemble everything except the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the topping right before baking. This makes weeknight dinners even easier.
After making this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee perfect results every time. For a sweet treat that pairs wonderfully with this dish, consider baking some heart shaped chocolate chip cookies.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole taste wonderful, making it perfect for meal prep. Store cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the casserole with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps the cracker topping crispy instead of soggy.
If you’re reheating individual portions, the microwave works in a pinch. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals. However, expect the Ritz cracker topping to soften somewhat.
You can also freeze this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole for future meals. Assemble the casserole completely but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months.
When ready to bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, bake directly from frozen at 350°F for about an hour, covering with foil for the first 30 minutes.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. However, I love pairing it with complementary sides that round out the dinner.
A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness that balances the richness. I often make a basic garden salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and ranch dressing. The crisp vegetables contrast beautifully with the creamy casserole.
Roasted green beans make another excellent accompaniment. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender. The slight char adds wonderful flavor dimension.
For bread lovers, serve this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread. These are perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce on your plate. Jack especially loves this combination.
Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts add nutritious green vegetables to your plate. Lila pretends she doesn’t like Brussels sprouts, but she always finishes them when I serve this casserole.
A light fruit salad offers a refreshing end to the meal. I often prepare a mix of grapes, strawberries, and melon. The natural sweetness cleanses your palate beautifully.
This creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. To complement it, I recommend serving it alongside sheet pan chicken pitas with herby ranch slaw recipe for a balanced dinner.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked chicken in this casserole?
I don’t recommend using raw chicken in this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole. The baking time isn’t sufficient to cook raw chicken safely and thoroughly. Instead, always use pre-cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or poached chicken breasts all work perfectly.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Making a gluten-free version of this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole is straightforward. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz crackers.
Several brands make excellent butter crackers that work beautifully. Check all labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
Why is my casserole watery?
A watery creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole usually results from excess moisture in vegetables or chicken. Always use frozen vegetables straight from the freezer without thawing. Additionally, drain any liquid from your cooked chicken before adding it to the mixture. If your casserole still seems too wet, reduce the milk by a few tablespoons.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole for larger gatherings. Use two 9×13-inch baking dishes or one extra-large roasting pan. The baking time remains roughly the same, though check for doneness around 35-40 minutes. I often double this recipe for church potlucks and family reunions.
How do I keep the cracker topping crispy?
The key to a crispy topping on your creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole is generous butter coating. Make sure every cracker crumb gets coated with melted butter. Additionally, store leftovers without covering directly on top of the crackers. Place plastic wrap loosely over the dish or transfer to a container that doesn’t compress the topping.
Creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole is a beloved dish known for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. This casserole typically features a creamy chicken filling topped with buttery Ritz crackers, making it a favorite for family dinners and potlucks, as seen in various casserole recipes.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole serves approximately 8 people. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
This creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole provides substantial protein from the chicken and cheese. The vegetables add fiber and vitamins. While it’s definitely a comfort food rather than a light meal, it offers balanced nutrition when paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Remember, food made with love nourishes both body and soul—something Mark always believed and I carry forward in every dish I make for Lila, Jack, and everyone who gathers around my table.
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creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy ritz cracker chicken casserole delivers everything you want in a family dinner. It's quick to prepare, comforting, and customizable to suit your family's tastes.
Ingredients
3 cups Cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
2 cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of chicken soup
1 cup Sour cream
½ cup Milk
2 cups Frozen mixed vegetables
1½ cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 sleeve (about 35–40 crackers) Ritz crackers
6 tablespoons Butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until well blended
- Add the frozen vegetables, one cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese over the top
- Crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs and toss with melted butter until coated. Distribute evenly over the casserole
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a layer of cheese beneath the cracker topping.
You can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg