The Most Comforting Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe Ever

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken ritz casserole brings comfort and joy to dinner tables everywhere.

Crispy crackers add a delectable crunch that makes this dish irresistible.

Layers of tender chicken merge perfectly with rich, velvety sauce.

Weeknight meals never looked so tempting and satisfying.

Families and friends will gather around, eager to savor each delicious bite.

Simple ingredients come together in magical harmony.

You can’t wait to experience this mouthwatering meal that promises warmth and happiness in every forkful.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Flavor Experience

• Create Family Magic: This crowd-pleasing casserole delivers delicious results that kids and adults will love, making mealtime a breeze.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like Greek yogurt or change up toppings to suit dietary preferences or pantry availability.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients quickly in one bowl, then bake for a stress-free meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Ingredients You Need For Chicken Ritz Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that forms the base of the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind the casserole.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Provides extra creaminess and tanginess to the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Crunchy crackers that create a golden, buttery topping for the casserole.
• Butter: Helps the cracker topping become crisp and adds richness.
• Poppy Seeds: Optional garnish that adds a subtle nutty flavor and visual interest.

• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken mixture.

Chicken Ritz Casserole Steps For Easy Meals

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready to transform your ingredients into a delicious meal.

Step 2: Create Creamy Chicken Base

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Blend the ingredients until the crackers are thoroughly coated with butter.

Step 5: Add the Cracker Crunch

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer, creating a golden, crispy topping.

Step 6: Optional Seed Sprinkle

If desired, lightly dust poppy seeds across the top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips To Elevate Chicken Ritz Casserole Every Time

• Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains the creamy texture without sacrificing flavor.
• Crush Ritz crackers just before topping to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breadcrumbs.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.
• Substitute rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned chicken for a quick and easy protein base that saves preparation time.
• Add dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Mix Up Chicken Ritz Casserole Your Way

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed corn chips for a celiac-friendly option.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use crushed pork rinds instead of crackers and substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade low-carb cream sauce.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with cubed tofu or roasted cauliflower and use mushroom soup for a plant-based protein option.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free sour cream, coconut cream, and margarine to create an allergen-friendly version of the casserole.

Serving Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Creatively

Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole alongside steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.

Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this dish to gatherings and watch it disappear quickly – perfect for church events or neighborhood get-togethers with its crowd-pleasing flavor.

Leftovers Lunch Solution: Pack cold or reheated portions in lunch containers for an easy next-day meal that tastes just as delicious as the night before.

Comfort Food Companion: Pair with a crisp side salad or warm dinner rolls to complement the rich, creamy texture of the chicken casserole.

Storing Chicken Ritz Casserole For Later Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before placing in the fridge to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container, lasting up to 2 months. Avoid adding the cracker topping before freezing to maintain crispness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and preserve moisture.
• Reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness and restore creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of crackers instead of Ritz?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with other buttery crackers like Club or Townhouse crackers for a similar crunchy topping.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing in advance.

• What can I add to make this casserole more nutritious?

Try mixing in frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value and add color to the dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free crackers for the topping and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly version of this casserole.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible Chicken Ritz Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy cracker topping. Weeknight dinners become effortless when you can whip up this simple, satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded chicken breast meat
• 10.75 ounces (305 grams) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Topping Ingredients:

• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
2. Combine shredded chicken with creamy soup and tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Transfer the chicken mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer that covers the entire surface.
4. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter in a separate bowl, creating a rich, golden topping.
5. Distribute the buttery cracker crumbs uniformly across the chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage for a crunchy texture.
6. Optionally, sprinkle poppy seeds over the cracker topping for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate thorough heating.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the dish settle before serving.

Notes

• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that keeps the creamy texture intact.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving shortcut that adds extra flavor and reduces prep work.
• Gluten-free version can be easily achieved by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free cracker crumbs or crushed cornflakes.
• Add herbs like thyme or parsley to the cracker topping for an extra layer of aromatic complexity and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg