Name: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 cups packed shredded rotisserie chicken (from 2 whole rotisserie chickens); 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sliced scallions, plus more for garnish; 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 sleeves buttery round crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed (about 60 crackers); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 55 reviews

If you are searching for a warm, comforting dish that brings both creamy delight and a satisfyingly crunchy topping, look no further than the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe. This recipe perfectly combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with a luscious, creamy sauce, all topped with golden, buttery Ritz crackers that add that irresistible crunch. It’s a classic casserole that’s both easy to make and incredibly flavorful, making it an ideal centerpiece for any weeknight dinner or family gathering.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white round bowl on the right side holds shredded light brown cooked chicken. Next to it, on the top right, are two packs of rectangular, brown crackers and a stick of pale yellow butter on a white marbled surface. Above the chicken are small white bowls with light brown mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder inside. On the left are a bunch of fresh green and white spring onions and a larger white bowl with smooth white sour cream. Below the sour cream is a glass measuring jug filled with yellow chicken broth. The whole setup is arranged on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this casserole works in harmony to deliver a dish that’s rich in flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of taste they create together, so don’t skip on any!

Shredded rotisserie chicken (8 cups): The star protein that makes this dish effortless and flavorful with its tender texture.

Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10 ½ ounces each): Adds creamy richness and binds the casserole’s ingredients beautifully.
Sliced scallions (1 cup plus extra for garnish): Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
Sour cream (8 ounces): Brings tanginess and creaminess that perfectly balances the savory elements.

Chicken broth (½ cup): Keeps the casserole moist without watering down the flavor.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang and depth that brightens up the creaminess.
Garlic powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Packs a subtle savory punch that complements the chicken.

Onion powder (1 ½ teaspoons): Enhances the savory flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
Freshly ground black pepper (1 ½ teaspoons): Adds mild heat and depth.
Kosher salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Brings out all the flavors and seasons the entire casserole perfectly.

Buttery round crackers (2 sleeves, about 60 crackers): The signature crunchy topping that makes this dish memorable.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Coats the cracker topping for golden crispness and rich flavor.

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice your scallions, and have everything measured and ready to mix.

Step 2: Combine the Chicken Mixture

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, stir together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, scallions, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Spread this mixture evenly in the dish to ensure every bite tastes balanced and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

Crush the buttery Ritz crackers until they form coarse crumbs. In a bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted unsalted butter until every crumb is coated. This step is crucial as the butter ensures the topping bakes to a crispy, golden perfection.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle your buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for about 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle extra sliced scallions over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets slightly, making it easier to portion.

How to Serve Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

A rectangular white baking dish with a crunchy golden crumb top layer that looks like crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, evenly covering the whole surface. Below the crumb layer, a creamy mixture fills the dish, slightly visible at the edges with a light yellow beigy color, suggesting a rich, smooth texture under the crumb. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, with a clean and bright look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh scallions on top is a simple yet effective way to brighten both the flavor and appearance of the casserole. You could also sprinkle a little paprika or chopped fresh parsley to add color and a subtle hint of flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs amazingly well with light, fresh side dishes like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots. These sides complement the creamy richness of the casserole while adding variety and nutrition to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely presentation at a family dinner or gathering, bake the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small skillets. This personal touch elevates the comfort food to something a bit more special and shareable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy meals to reheat later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking: assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover securely, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350-degree oven until heated through, usually about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the cracker topping again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs, but using rotisserie chicken makes this dish much quicker and adds extra flavor from the seasoning on the chicken.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can make a quick homemade version by cooking a roux with butter and flour, then stirring in chicken broth and cream or milk until thickened for a fresh alternative.

Can I substitute Ritz crackers with another topping?

Sure! You can try crushed saltine crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes as a crunchy topping, but Ritz crackers deliver that unique buttery flavor that is signature to this recipe.

Is this casserole suitable for freezing after baking?

It’s best to freeze the casserole before baking to maintain the topping’s texture. Freezing after baking can cause the cracker topping to become soggy when reheated.

How spicy is this casserole?

This casserole has a mild and comforting flavor profile, making it kid-friendly and perfect for those who enjoy savory dishes without any heat.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe yet, you’re seriously missing out on a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to your next gathering, this casserole has a way of turning simple ingredients into something truly special. Give it a try, and it might become your new go-to family favorite!

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need