Ritz Chicken Casserole is an easy and tasty meal you can make quickly. It has creamy chicken mixed with simple ingredients and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. With only a few steps, you’ll have a warm and filling dinner ready in less than an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Chicken Casserole
This casserole is perfect for busy families who need a quick and tasty dinner solution. It combines tender shredded chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that’s seasoned just right. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling. Beyond being delicious, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less clean-up and more time to relax after dinner. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily tweak the seasonings or add your favorite veggies for a personalized touch.
Ingredients for Ritz Chicken Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this crowd-pleaser:
- 10.5 ounces can of condensed chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
These ingredients come together to create a creamy and flavorful filling with a crisp, buttery topping that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix the condensed chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, salt, and pepper until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Next, fold in the cooked and shredded chicken along with the sliced green onions, making sure every piece of chicken is coated in the creamy mixture. Transfer this filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
For the topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter in a separate bowl. This ensures the crackers become golden and crisp when baked. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to settle, then it’s ready to serve.
How to Serve Ritz Chicken Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t overpower its creamy richness. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
It’s also great served on its own as a comfort food dinner when you want something satisfying without fuss. The warm, crunchy topping and creamy chicken filling make each bite comforting and delicious.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Ritz Chicken Casserole
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Don’t skip the butter on the Ritz crackers; it’s key for creating that crispy, golden crust everyone loves.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or a handful of shredded cheese to the chicken mixture before baking.
- If you want more veggies, toss in some diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or frozen peas with the chicken.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
How to Store Ritz Chicken Casserole
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. You can store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat again, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
If you want to freeze it, wrap the casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations of Ritz Chicken Casserole
This recipe is a great base for experimentation. You can swap out the chicken soup for a cream of mushroom or celery soup for a slightly different flavor. For a spicier twist, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Vegetarians can replace the chicken with cooked mushrooms or a mix of beans for a hearty meat-free version. Adding shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack on top before baking will give it an extra cheesy crust.
For a healthier take, try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and whole-grain crackers for the topping. You can also incorporate chopped spinach or kale into the mix for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ritz Chicken Casserole
What makes Ritz crackers so special in this casserole?
Ritz crackers add a buttery, crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy chicken filling, making every bite satisfying.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, just cook and shred the chicken before adding it to the mixture. Poached or roasted chicken works best.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just make sure to wrap it well and thaw completely before reheating.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Adding veggies like mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers is a great way to boost flavor and nutrition.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers thoroughly with melted butter and don’t skimp on the butter. Baking until golden brown also helps achieve the perfect crunch.
Ritz Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz condensed chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix the condensed chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked and shredded chicken along with the sliced green onions. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken filling.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.