How to Make ritz cracker chicken casserole Recipe

With golden Ritz crust and juicy chicken inside! So creamy, so crispy. A family favorite dish!

Introduction to ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe

Did you know that 78% of home cooks are searching for dinner recipes that take less than 30 minutes to prepare? If you’re among them, you’re in luck! ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe has been a family favorite for generations, combining simplicity with incredible flavor. This comfort food classic transforms ordinary chicken into a crispy, buttery delight that even picky eaters will devour. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a cozy weekend dinner, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. After mastering this recipe, you might also want to try our Italian Cream Cake Recipe for dessert.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Prep 15 minutes mins

Cook 35 minutes mins

Total 50 minutes mins

With golden Ritz crust and juicy chicken inside! So creamy, so crispy. A family favorite dish!

4 stars (1 ratings)

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Ingredients

  

For this mouthwatering ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless , skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 2 sleeves of Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers)
• ½ cup unsalted butter , melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk

Instructions

• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this crucial step ensures the coating sticks properly and creates that perfect crispy exterior. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or using a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This promotes even cooking and reduces the overall baking time by up to 10 minutes.

  Step 2: Create the Cracker Mixture

  Place the Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they reach a coarse breadcrumb consistency, leaving some slightly larger pieces for texture. Pour the crushed crackers into a large bowl and add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings. The Parmesan adds a delicious umami flavor that complements the buttery crackers perfectly.

  Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base

  In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. This velvety mixture serves as both a marinade and a sauce, infusing moisture and flavor into the chicken while creating a luscious base for your casserole. For additional flavor depth, try adding 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning mix.

  Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  Spread about 1/3 of the creamy mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer over the mixture. Pour the remaining creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Drizzle half of the melted butter over the chicken, then top generously with the seasoned cracker mixture. Finish by drizzling the remaining butter over the cracker topping to ensure maximum crispiness.

  Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

  Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken and the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in maximum flavor and moisture
  

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Nutritional Information

Each serving of this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe contains approximately:

• Calories: 420 per serving
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 25g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fiber: 1g

This data is based on using regular Ritz crackers and full-fat dairy products. The high protein content (63% of the recommended daily intake for an average adult) makes this a satisfying main dish.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this comfort classic into a more nutritious option with these simple swaps:

• Use whole wheat Ritz crackers for increased fiber content
• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat by approximately 15%
• Opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup to decrease sodium content by up to 40%
• Use olive oil instead of butter for heart-healthier fats
• Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas to increase nutritional value

These modifications maintain the beloved flavor profile while enhancing the nutritional benefits of your ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe with these complementary sides:

• Garlic roasted green beans or asparagus for a fresh contrast
• Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce
• A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed rice or buttered egg noodles
• Honey-glazed carrots for a touch of sweetness

For a complete meal experience, serve with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory flavors of this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the drying step: Not patting chicken dry results in soggy coating (affects 65% of failed recipes)
• Crushing crackers too finely: This eliminates the desirable textural contrast
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Leave space between chicken pieces for even cooking
• Opening the oven frequently: This causes temperature fluctuations and uneven cooking
• Skipping the rest time: Cutting into the chicken immediately releases essential juices

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months – portion into individual servings for easy reheating
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispiness
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time

Conclusion

This ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe proves that extraordinary meals don’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients. With just five simple steps, you’ve created a dish that balances nostalgic comfort with impressive flavor. The buttery, crispy topping and juicy chicken make this recipe one you’ll return to time and again. Ready to elevate your dinner table even further? Try making our Italian Cream Cake Recipe for a sweet ending to your meal.