Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s something special about a homemade casserole. It’s hearty, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. One casserole recipe that stands out for its ease, deliciousness, and comforting qualities is Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dish, this casserole is the way to go. Packed with creamy chicken, a hint of garlic and onion, and topped with buttery, crispy Ritz crackers, it’s the ideal dish for a cozy family meal or a quick dinner to impress your guests.

In this article, we will dive into everything you need to know about making Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole—from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, and much more.

Why Choose Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?

If you’ve ever wondered why this casserole is so beloved, the answer lies in its combination of convenience and flavors. Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is not only easy to make but is also packed with comforting flavors that make it a perfect choice for busy nights or casual gatherings. The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the crunchy Ritz cracker topping, and the cheese adds just the right amount of richness.

Furthermore, this dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it an economical option for families. Whether you’re cooking for a small group or a larger crowd, this casserole is versatile and adaptable. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to find at your local grocery store.

What You Need to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Before we get into the instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe.

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (a great way to use leftover chicken)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (the base of the creamy sauce)
• 1 cup sour cream (adds tanginess and creaminess)
• ½ cup milk (for the right consistency in the sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (adds depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp onion powder (for that perfect savory taste)
• ½ tsp salt (to enhance all the flavors)
• ½ tsp black pepper (for a bit of spice)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (for richness and flavor)
• 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed (this will create the golden, buttery topping)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for the buttery richness of the topping)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Now that you’ve gathered the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking. Don’t worry—this recipe is incredibly simple and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills. Here’s how you can make the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup easier later.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Next, add in the cooked chicken (either shredded or diced) and the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix again until the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. It should be well-distributed so each bite has a good balance of the creamy chicken filling.

In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers and mix them with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are well coated in butter. Then, evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the casserole. This will create a golden, crispy topping as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

Now it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in the oven and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Serve the casserole warm with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal.

Serving Suggestions for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is delicious all on its own, but it can also be paired with various sides to make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your casserole:

• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a healthy, vibrant side.
• Mashed potatoes for an extra creamy, comforting touch.
• A side salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.
• For extra flavor, try pairing it with cranberry sauce or a drizzle of honey mustard.

These sides not only complement the casserole but also make it a more well-rounded meal.

Tips for the Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

To ensure that your Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Use leftover chicken: This casserole is an excellent way to use up leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken. It makes the recipe even quicker and more convenient.
2. Feel free to use different cheese: While cheddar cheese is a classic, you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
3. Adjust the seasoning: Depending on your personal taste, you can increase or decrease the amount of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to suit your preferences.
4. Make it creamy with cream cheese: For an even richer and creamier casserole, add a block of softened cream cheese to the filling. It’ll add an extra layer of creaminess that’s hard to resist.

FAQs About Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Q1: Can I make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q2: Can I freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. To bake from frozen, just add extra time (about 10-15 minutes) and bake until it’s heated through and the topping is golden brown.

Q3: What other toppings can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If you’re not a fan of Ritz crackers, you can use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even regular crackers. These will still give you that crispy topping that makes the casserole so delicious.

Q4: Can I make this casserole with other proteins?
Yes! While this recipe uses chicken, you can swap it for turkey, shredded beef, or even ground meat like ground turkey or beef. The creamy filling and cracker topping will still pair wonderfully with any protein.

Conclusion

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and filled with hearty chicken and cheesy goodness. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or making it fresh, this casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that never disappoints. Try it for your next dinner or gathering, and you’ll be sure to impress!

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