Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the quintessential comfort food dish, a nostalgic and effortlessly delicious meal that has earned its place as a beloved weeknight classic in countless households. This recipe masterfully combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying bake that is both easy to prepare and universally appealing. The magic begins with a rich and tangy base of shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream, which is elevated with the subtle aromatics of onion and garlic powder and the fresh, mild bite of green onions. This luxurious filling is then encased under a blanket of buttery, golden-brown Ritz cracker crumbs that bake into an impossibly crunchy, flavorful crust. The contrast between the creamy, tender chicken mixture and the crisp, salty topping is nothing short of perfection, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in every single bite.
The brilliance of this casserole lies in its unparalleled simplicity and versatility. It is the ultimate solution for repurpose leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, transforming it into a completely new and exciting meal with minimal effort. From start to finish, the dish comes together in mere minutes, requiring little more than mixing and baking, which makes it an ideal dinner for busy evenings, potlucks, or when you need to deliver a meal to a friend. Despite its humble ingredients, the final result tastes indulgent and homestyle, evoking a sense of warmth and familiarity that is both comforting and deeply nourishing. This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing staple that proves the best meals are often the simplest ones to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, savory, and topped with a buttery, crunchy crust, this casserole is the very definition of hearty, homestyle comfort.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: With just 10 minutes of active prep and simple mixing, this is a foolproof recipe perfect for cooks of any skill level.
- Perfect for Using Leftovers: It’s an excellent and delicious way to use up leftover shredded chicken from a previous meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Family Meal: With its familiar, savory flavors and appealing texture, this dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1½ sleeves (about 45 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3-4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional for added richness: 1 cup frozen peas or corn, thawed, or 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2.5-quart or 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, place the Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces for texture. Pour the melted butter over the crushed crackers and stir until all the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, sliced green onions, and fresh thyme. If you are using any optional add-ins like peas, corn, or cheese, stir them in at this stage. Mix everything together until it is well combined and uniform.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it into a smooth, even layer. Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the entire surface of the chicken mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Brown
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the Ritz cracker topping is a deep golden brown.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve. Dish out generous portions and enjoy the comforting, creamy, and crunchy goodness.
Tips:
- Chicken Shortcut: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the perfect time-saver for this recipe. Simply shred the meat from the breast, thighs, and legs to get your 4 cups.
- Crush Crackers Efficiently: For easy cleanup, place the whole crackers in a zip-top bag before crushing. For a more uniform topping, you can pulse them in a food processor a few times.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to stir in a cup of thawed frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables into the chicken mixture to add color, texture, and nutrients.
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, mix 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken filling and/or sprinkle an additional ½ cup over the chicken layer before adding the cracker topping.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. For best results and to maintain the topping’s crunch, reheat larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
