Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy chicken ritz casserole that delivers pure culinary magic.

Tender chicken nestles between layers of buttery crackers and rich, velvety sauce.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch and smooth, satisfying flavor profile.

The combination of crispy ritz topping and succulent chicken creates an irresistible meal everyone will adore.

Home cooks can whip up this easy casserole in under an hour, making it a perfect solution for busy families.

This recipe guarantees smiles and empty plates at your dinner table.

Variations for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Cracker Swap: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, chickpeas, or plant-based chicken alternative for a meatless version.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use low-sodium cream soup, Greek yogurt, and unsalted butter to reduce overall salt content for heart-healthy diets.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt, use dairy-free cream soup, and replace butter with olive oil for lactose-intolerant eaters.

Serving Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole with Greens

• Comfort Food Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add freshness to your meal.
• Hearty Plate Partner: Pair with steamed rice or roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
• Family-Style Feast: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and light herbal note that enhances the dish's savory profile.
• Potluck Winner: Prepare in a beautiful ceramic dish for gatherings, as this casserole travels well and always impresses at community meals.

Storing Chicken Ritz Casserole for Lunch Tomorrow

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in shredding chicken.

• Is it okay to substitute the crackers?

Ritz crackers are ideal, but you can use similar buttery crackers like saltines or butter crackers if needed.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• What can I add to make this more nutritious?

Consider mixing in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value and add some color to the dish.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole – Classic Family Favorite

• Whip Up Comfort: A nostalgic, creamy casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for those craving a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like Greek yogurt or different crackers to match dietary preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe incredibly flexible.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-approved flavors and a crunchy topping that appeals to all ages, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will love.
• Quick Weeknight Win: Requires just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing busy home cooks to prepare a tasty meal in under an hour without complicated techniques.

Ingredient List for Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded and provides the primary protein base for the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that binds the chicken and adds depth of flavor.

• Ritz Crackers, Butter: Provides a crispy, buttery golden crust that adds texture and richness to the casserole.
• Poppy Seeds (Optional): Offers a subtle nutty flavor and decorative touch to the top of the casserole.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for some deliciousness.

Step 2: Mix Chicken Goodness

• Shredded chicken
• Creamy soup
• Tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt

Stir everything together until it’s perfectly blended.

Step 3: Spread The Base

Pour the chicken mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a smooth foundation.

Step 4: Prepare Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Mix until the crackers are completely coated and looking irresistible.

Step 5: Add Cracker Layer

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture all over the chicken base, creating a golden, crispy blanket.

Step 6: Optional Seed Sprinkle

If you’re feeling fancy, dust some poppy seeds on top for extra texture and visual appeal.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and a bubbling, hot center.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes before diving in.

Get ready for a comfort food experience that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Chicken Ritz Casserole – Best Tips for Creaminess

• Replace chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for a quick and convenient alternative.
• Use low-fat cream of chicken soup and Greek yogurt to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the Ritz cracker mixture for extra flavor and aromatic depth.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal preparation.
• Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Chicken Ritz Casserole, where golden crackers crown a rich, cheesy chicken filling. Hearty layers of succulent chicken and creamy sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast meat

Main Dairy and Soup:

• 10.75 ounces (305 grams) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Topping and Seasoning:

• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for even cooking.
2. Create a smooth mixture by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, creamy soup, and tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Transfer the chicken blend into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
4. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter, ensuring each cracker piece is richly coated.
5. Generously distribute the buttery cracker topping across the chicken base, covering the entire surface for a crunchy texture.
6. Optionally, sprinkle poppy seeds over the cracker layer to add a subtle nutty flavor and visual interest.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is thoroughly heated.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories and add extra protein, making the dish lighter and more nutritious.
• Use gluten-free Ritz crackers or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners without compromising the crunchy topping.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the chicken mixture for a burst of fresh flavor and enhanced aromatic complexity.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner preparation faster and easier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 468 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg