Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. This creamy casserole, topped with a crunchy layer of buttery Ritz crackers, brings together tender pieces of chicken in a rich sauce made from sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and Italian seasoning. It's an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. The combination of creamy filling and crispy topping makes every bite satisfying and delicious. Serve it with a side of green vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce, all topped with a crunchy layer of buttery Ritz crackers. This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs that enhances the flavor of the dish.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup with herbs: A key ingredient that creates the creamy base of the casserole.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: The main protein, providing tender and flavorful bites throughout the dish.
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed: Adds a buttery, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Used to coat the Ritz cracker topping, making it golden and crispy.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and prepare a 2-quart (or 8-inch) baking dish by greasing it with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Step 3:
- Add the cooked chicken to the bowl, folding it into the creamy mixture until all the chicken pieces are well coated. This ensures that every bite of the casserole will be flavorful and moist.
- Step 4:
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer. This helps the casserole cook evenly.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the chicken mixture, ensuring an even distribution. The crackers add a delightful crunch to the casserole.
- Step 6:
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the crushed Ritz crackers. The butter will help the crackers turn golden and crispy during baking.
- Step 7:
- Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The dish is ready when the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and hot in the center.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole hot out of the oven, paired with a side of green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through to maintain the crispy texture of the Ritz cracker topping.
- This casserole is also freezer-friendly. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Helpful Notes
- For added flavor, mix a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the chicken mixture before baking.
- You can easily customize this casserole by adding cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the chicken mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before baking.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: “Using homemade chicken stock instead of canned soup can elevate the flavor of this casserole, making it even more comforting and delicious.”
- Chef Rachael Ray: “For an extra buttery topping, mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the crushed Ritz crackers before sprinkling them over the casserole.”
- Chef Bobby Flay: “Consider adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms to the casserole for an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken filling.”