Go Back
ritz chicken casserole recipe

Ritz Chicken Casserole

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 45 minutes
With buttery Ritz topping and creamy filling! So crunchy, so comforting. A weeknight classic!
4 stars (1 ratings)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Leave a Review

Ingredients
  

For the perfect Ritz chicken casserole, you'll need:

  • 4 cups cooked chicken , shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (substitute with cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile)
  • 1 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt makes a tangy alternative)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar provides the most robust flavor)
  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers , crushed (about 60 crackers)
  • ½ cup butter , melted
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Ø Salt and pepper to taste

The combination of creamy elements with the buttery crackers creates that perfect texture contrast that makes this dish so satisfying – crispy on top and creamy underneath.

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, condensed soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Pro tip: Bringing ingredients to room temperature before mixing creates a smoother, more evenly textured casserole base.
    Step 2: Transfer to Baking Dish
    Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The uniform distribution ensures that every serving has the perfect balance of ingredients. For extra flavor depth, you can add a layer of sautéed onions and bell peppers between the chicken mixture and the topping.
    Step 3: Prepare the Cracker Topping
    In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds (if using). The secret to the perfect topping is crushing the crackers just right – aim for pieces rather than crumbs to provide that satisfying crunch. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken layer, then top with the remaining cheese. This double-layer approach creates a beautiful golden crust that's irresistible.
    Step 4: Bake to Perfection
    Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving – this crucial step lets the flavors meld and makes serving cleaner and easier
    ritz chicken casserole recipeingredients

Video