Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

4.80 from 45 votes

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

The Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is an easy, 10-minute dish perfect for busy days. It combines shredded chicken with creamy ingredients and spices, all topped with a crunchy layer of crushed Ritz crackers. This simple yet tasty casserole is great for quick weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Casseroles, Chicken Recipes, Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: casserole, chicken, ritz crackers

Servings: people

Calories: 335kcal

Author: Trisha Haas - Salty Side Dish

Ingredients

3 cups shredded chicken cooked - chicken can also be roughly chopped or cubed
1 cup sour cream
10.75 oz. cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup melted butter divided into (2) 1/4th cups
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed

Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Casserole Dish

Preheat your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure that it's at the right temperature when you're ready to bake the casserole.
Prepare the Casserole Dish: Take a 3-quart casserole dish and generously coat the inside with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once coated, set the dish aside for later use.

Mixing Creamy Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the following ingredients: Shredded chicken, Sour cream, Condensed soup (e.g., cream of chicken), and 1/4 cup of melted butter.
Season and Add Cheese: To the same bowl, add the seasonings: Italian seasoning, Salt, black pepper, and shredded cheese.
Mix Thoroughly: Use a large spoon or spatula to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.

Assembling Chicken Casserole

Transfer Mixture to Dish: Carefully pour the mixed chicken mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Preparing the Ritz Cracker Topping

Crush Ritz Crackers: Keep the Ritz crackers in their original sleeve and gently crush them by pressing down with your hands, making sure not to pulverize them into a powder.
Add Cracker Topping: Evenly sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
Drizzle Butter: Finish the topping by drizzling the remaining 1/4 cup of melted butter over the crushed crackers.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the center is hot, indicating that it's cooked through.

Video

Notes

Can I Freeze Ritz Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure that it retains its texture and flavor.

After cooking the casserole, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. This helps preserve the flavors and prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the casserole for up to 2–3 months.

Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you're ready to enjoy it again. Reheat it in a preheated 350°F oven until it's heated and the top is golden brown.

Remember that the Ritz crackers' texture may be softer after freezing and reheating. If you prefer a crispier topping, add a fresh layer of crushed Ritz crackers before reheating.

Nutrition