This Ritz Chicken Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s incredibly easy to make. It features a creamy chicken filling topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and Quick: With minimal prep and readily available ingredients, this casserole comes together in just 45 minutes.
  • Comforting Flavors: The creamy chicken filling and buttery Ritz cracker topping create a classic and satisfying taste.
  • Easy to Customize: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: This casserole is a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Condensed Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy base for the filling.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of Mediterranean herbs.
  • Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess to the filling.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavors.
  • Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
  • Sliced Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor.
  • Cooked and Shredded Chicken: Provides a protein-rich base.
  • Ritz Crackers (Crushed): Forms the buttery and crunchy topping.
  • Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds richness and helps bind the cracker crumbs.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Combine Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Green Onions

Fold in the cooked and shredded chicken along with the sliced green onions. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Prepare Ritz Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated.

Step 6: Add Topping

Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Use Quality Chicken: Rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or poached chicken breasts work well.
  • Crush Ritz Crackers Evenly: Use a food processor or a zip-top bag and rolling pin to crush the Ritz crackers into even crumbs.
  • Don’t Overbake: Bake until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through to prevent drying out.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste the filling before baking and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
  • Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the filling.

How to Serve

  • Main Course: Serve as a comforting main course.
  • Side Dish: Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Potluck Dish: Perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
  • Family Dinner: Ideal for a simple and satisfying family meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

Freeze cooled casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cracker?

Yes, you can use other buttery crackers like saltines or club crackers.

2. Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup.

3. Can I add cheese to the filling?

Yes, you can add shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the filling.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers to make this recipe gluten-free.

Print
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Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

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  • Author: Jaden Christner
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Ritz Chicken Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to prepare and always a hit. Tender shredded chicken is combined with a creamy sauce and topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 10.5 ounces can condensed chicken soup
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Combine Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well blended.
  3. Add Chicken and Green Onions: Fold in the cooked and shredded chicken along with the sliced green onions into the mixture. Ensure the chicken is well coated with the creamy sauce.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Prepare Ritz Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated with butter.
  6. Add Ritz Topping: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
  7. Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  8. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
  • For a spicier casserole, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the creamy mixture.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms.
  • For a richer topping, you can add shredded cheddar cheese to the Ritz cracker mixture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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