Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re hunting for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy and irresistibly tasty, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the answer you’ve been dreaming of. Combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy soup, cheesy goodness, and the iconic buttery crunch of Ritz crackers, it delivers layers of flavor and texture that will keep everyone coming back for more. It’s the kind of dish that turns weeknight dinners into celebrations and busy days into moments of pure culinary joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates simplicity with ingredients that are incredibly accessible yet each plays a starring role in building the perfect flavor and texture profile of the casserole. From the flaky buttery Ritz crackers that create a golden crust to the creamy base that ties it all together, every element is essential.

• 4 Sleeves Ritz Crackers: These add a delightful buttery crunch that is signature to this casserole.
• 1.5 Sticks Butter, melted: Melts into the crackers to give that irresistible golden topping and extra richness.
• 1 Rotisserie Chicken, shredded: Juicy and tender, providing the perfect protein base with minimal effort.
• 10 Oz Frozen Mixed Vegetables, thawed: Adds a colorful medley of veggies and keeps things fresh and nutritious.
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to create gooey, savory pockets throughout the dish.
• ½ Cup Sour Cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the flavors perfectly.
• 22.6 Oz Cream Of Chicken Soup: The creamy binder that keeps every bite luscious and moist.
• Salt and Pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
• 1 Tbs Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Start by heating your oven to 375°F — this is the sweet spot for baking your casserole to golden perfection. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, thawed mixed vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese. Season this blend with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to bring out the rich flavors. Mix everything carefully until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a creamy, hearty filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Crust

Take your Ritz crackers and crush them to a coarse crumble— leaving some texture is key for that satisfying crunch. In a separate bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is luxuriously coated. This step ensures that your crust will bake up crisp and buttery. Reserve half of this mixture to line the bottom of your baking dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Layer half of the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish—this creates a sturdy and crunchy base. Next, spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the cracker bed. Finally, sprinkle the remaining buttery cracker crumbs over the top, forming a golden, crispy crust when baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and place it on the center rack of the preheated oven. Let it bake covered for 15 minutes; this helps the casserole heat through without drying out. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, allowing the top to turn golden brown and crispy. Once baked, take it out and let it cool for about 10 minutes so it sets properly before serving.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your serving presentation beautifully. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to add a pop of green and fresh flavor. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of sour cream or a handful of diced red bell peppers adds both color and brightness to each plate.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that complement without competing. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or even a bowl of tangy coleslaw bring fresh textures and flavors to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get creative, consider making individual ramekin-sized portions for a charming single-serve presentation. Top each with a sprig of fresh herbs and a dusting of extra cheddar cheese before baking for a personalized touch. Alternatively, turn it into a potluck centerpiece by serving it family-style with warm bread rolls on the side for scooping up every delicious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for leftovers or meal prep. The flavors actually have time to meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with freezer-safe foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a conventional oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through and the cracker topping regains its crunch. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that crispy texture, but if convenience calls, microwave in short bursts and then finish with a quick oven crisp if possible.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to lightly steam them first to prevent extra moisture from making the casserole soggy.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a homemade sauce, try mixing cream, chicken broth, and a little flour or cornstarch to thicken it. This gives you control over the ingredients and flavor while keeping the casserole creamy.

Is rotisserie chicken necessary?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this dish because it’s already cooked and flavorful, saving you time. However, you can certainly use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as poached or leftover roasted chicken.

Can I make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole gluten-free?

You can! Use gluten-free crackers as a substitute for Ritz crackers and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work beautifully in this recipe.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

To add a bit of heat, try mixing in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle a little chili powder on top with the cracker crust for a subtle spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that’s both incredibly satisfying and easy to whip up, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is your new go-to comfort meal. Its creamy, cheesy layers combined with that perfect crunchy top make every bite feel special and homey. Whether feeding family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So go ahead and give it a try—you’re going to love it!

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