When you’re craving a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug in a dish, Ritz Chicken Casserole is exactly what you need. This recipe brings together tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a golden, buttery topping that crackles with every bite. The rich flavors and comforting texture make it a family favorite that works for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Why We Love This Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this Ritz Chicken Casserole, and it’s not just the taste. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. If you have cooked chicken ready, you can have the casserole in the oven in just 10 minutes. The recipe is also forgiving — you can mix and match ingredients without worrying about ruining the flavor or texture. The buttery cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, creating a bite that’s both rich and balanced.
It’s also the perfect recipe for feeding a group. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, bringing a dish to a potluck, or prepping meals ahead of time, this casserole is easy to scale and travels well. The leftovers taste just as good reheated, and you can pair it with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Best of all, the comforting flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults — you won’t have to worry about picky eaters turning away from this dish.
Ingredients for Ritz Chicken Casserole
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredient list. Every item plays a role in delivering that cozy, crave-worthy flavor. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store.
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup with herbs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
- ½ cup butter, melted
How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole
Making Ritz Chicken Casserole is all about simple steps that lead to big flavor. You’ll combine a few pantry staples into a rich, creamy base, layer it with tender chicken, and top it with buttery cracker crumbs for the perfect finish.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures it’s ready to bake as soon as your casserole is assembled. While the oven heats, lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish or an 8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Italian seasoning. You want to mix until the seasoning is evenly distributed and the base looks smooth and creamy. Next, add the shredded or diced chicken, folding it into the sauce until every piece is coated. This creamy mixture is the heart of the dish, so make sure the chicken is well-covered.
Transfer the chicken mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula so the layer is uniform. Now it’s time for the signature topping — crush two sleeves of Ritz crackers into small, crumbly pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the chicken mixture. Drizzle the melted butter over the crackers, making sure to coat as much as possible for that signature golden crunch.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cracker topping is crisp and golden, and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The short rest helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve.
How to Serve Ritz Chicken Casserole
The best part about Ritz Chicken Casserole is its versatility when it comes to serving. You can keep it simple and dish it out straight from the casserole for a casual family dinner, or present it neatly on plates with complementary sides for a more polished look.
This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, steamed vegetables, or roasted greens like broccoli and green beans. For a heartier spread, you can serve it alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. If you’re hosting guests, add a basket of warm bread or dinner rolls so everyone can scoop up every last bit of the filling.
Expert Tips: Ritz Chicken Casserole
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time — rotisserie chicken works especially well for this recipe.
- Don’t skip the butter drizzle on the crackers; it’s key to achieving the perfect golden crust.
- Adjust seasoning to suit your taste — a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika can add a new layer of flavor.
- Add vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, or carrots for a more balanced one-dish meal.
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. Just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
How to Store Ritz Chicken Casserole
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck — this casserole reheats beautifully. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual portions in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to crisp the topping.
Variations of Ritz Chicken Casserole
- Cheesy Version: Stir 1–2 cups of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese into the chicken mixture before baking.
- Vegetable Boost: Add 1–2 cups of steamed broccoli, peas, or mixed vegetables to the filling.
- Different Toppings: Try using panko bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of Ritz crackers for a different texture.
- Herb Infusion: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
- Protein Swap: Use cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken for a twist on the classic.
FAQ: Ritz Chicken Casserole
Can I make Ritz Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble it in the morning, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.
Can I freeze Ritz Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking for best results.
Can I use other crackers instead of Ritz?
Yes. While Ritz crackers provide a buttery flavor, you can substitute with saltines, club crackers, or even panko.
What side dishes go best with Ritz Chicken Casserole?
Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and bread rolls all pair perfectly.
Can I make Ritz Chicken Casserole without cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or make your own creamy base with chicken broth and a roux.
Ritz Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- Casserole Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup with herbs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers crushed
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Add shredded or diced chicken, folding it into the sauce until well-coated.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them over the chicken mixture. Drizzle melted butter over the crackers.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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