Ritz Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken with a rich, creamy sauce and a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This easy-to-make dish is a family favorite that you can whip up in under an hour. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making this delicious casserole, including ingredient options, variations, storage tips, and links to other great recipes.
Why Make Ritz Chicken Casserole?
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because it uses just a few basic ingredients like sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and Ritz crackers. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite cheeses or veggies. Best of all, you can have dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.
For another easy and comforting meal, check out this recipe for Chicken and Yellow Rice—it’s quick, delicious, and perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients for Ritz Chicken Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shredded Chicken: About 3 cups of cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great).
- Cream of Chicken Soup: One 10.5 oz can. You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
- Sour Cream: Adds richness and creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works as a substitute.
- Ritz Crackers: Two sleeves, crushed. For a change in texture, try panko breadcrumbs instead.
- Butter: Melted to combine with the crackers for that perfect crispy topping.
- Seasoning: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder work well here.
Looking for tips on how to perfectly shred chicken? Check out How to Make Chicken More Tender and Juicy for some helpful advice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasoning. Fold in the shredded chicken. This creamy mixture is the heart of the casserole.
Pro Tip: Want to add some veggies? Try mixing in broccoli, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition. For inspiration, try this Rotel Dip Recipe.
3. Crush the Ritz Crackers
Place the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor for quicker results. Combine the crushed crackers with melted butter.
For tips on crushing Ritz crackers to perfection, read How to Crush Ritz Crackers.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs.
5. Bake the Casserole
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about Ritz Chicken Casserole is how customizable it is! Here are a few tasty variations:
- Cheesy Ritz Chicken Casserole: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese between the chicken mixture and the cracker topping. For more cheesy goodness, try our Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Make it healthier by adding cooked broccoli, peas, or carrots. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters.
- Ranch-Flavored Twist: Stir 1-2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning into the creamy mixture or use ranch-flavored Ritz crackers for a zesty twist.
- Poppy Seed Variation: Add poppy seeds to the cracker topping for a fun, nutty twist, similar to this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F to keep the cracker topping crispy, which takes about 15 minutes.
For another casserole that reheats beautifully, try our Chicken and Biscuit Casserole.
Freezing for Later
You can freeze Ritz Chicken Casserole for up to three months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Check out our Freezing Tips for more advice on freezing casseroles successfully.
FAQs About Ritz Chicken Casserole
Can I Use Raw Chicken?
No, raw chicken is not recommended for this recipe. The casserole doesn’t bake long enough to cook the chicken through. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is best.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just wait to add the Ritz cracker topping until just before baking to avoid sogginess.
For more make-ahead meal ideas, try our Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or celery soup are excellent substitutes. You can even mix two types of soup for a unique flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 377 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 20g
To lighten up the dish, use low-fat sour cream or substitute the butter with olive oil.
Conclusion
Ritz Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, crunchy, and easy to make whether you’re prepping for a busy weeknight or a family gathering. With endless customization options, there are countless ways to make this dish your own.
For more delicious casserole recipes, check out our Loaded Potato Chicken Casserole or Creamy Chicken Divan.