Ritz Chicken Casserole is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, savory, and topped with a golden, buttery crunch that wins over both kids and adults every single time. Whether you’re preparing a cozy winter dinner or a laid-back summer potluck dish, this recipe delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.
I first fell in love with Ritz Chicken Casserole in my grandmother’s kitchen. She had a way of turning basic pantry ingredients into magic, and this casserole was her signature. The scent of it baking in the oven still brings back memories of her Sunday lunches, complete with laughter, stories, and second helpings.
This recipe is all about simplicity, flavor, and flexibility. Let’s get cooking.
Why Ritz Chicken Casserole Should Be Your Go-To Dinner
There are plenty of reasons why this casserole recipe belongs in your meal rotation:
-
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
-
Creamy and savory with just the right amount of crunch
-
Perfect for using up leftover chicken or turkey
-
Loved by picky eaters and busy parents alike
-
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the casserole:
-
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
-
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
-
1 cup sour cream
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1/2 cup milk
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the topping:
-
1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 45 crackers)
-
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
-
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the filling
In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add cheddar cheese and the cooked chicken, then stir to combine.
Step 3: Assemble
Pour the filling into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 4: Add the topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden crust.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Let the Ritz Chicken Casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle parsley on top if you like a pop of color.
Recipe Variations
Add vegetables: Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition.
Use different cheese: Swap cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Try other proteins: This casserole also works well with turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken.
Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold.
Freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Reheat: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F or microwave until warm.
What to Serve with Ritz Chicken Casserole
Ritz Chicken Casserole pairs well with:
-
Steamed green beans or roasted carrots
-
A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
-
Mashed potatoes or rice
-
Corn on the cob or garlic bread
This casserole is rich and filling, so simple sides help balance the meal.
When to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole
Winter: Serve it piping hot with roasted vegetables for a cozy meal.
Summer: Bring it to potlucks and BBQs. It’s a crowd-pleaser and reheats well.
Whether it’s a chilly night or a sunny gathering, Ritz Chicken Casserole fits the occasion.
Read More: Classic Buttermilk Cake Recipe
The Family Story Behind This Dish
As a child, my job was always to crush the Ritz crackers. My grandmother made this casserole every time we visited. She believed in keeping things simple, and this recipe proves that simple can still be incredibly satisfying.
That buttery Ritz cracker topping became her trademark. To this day, whenever I make Ritz Chicken Casserole, it’s like she’s right there in the kitchen with me.
Nutrition Facts for Ritz Chicken Casserole
While exact values can vary based on ingredients used, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
-
Calories: 420
-
Protein: 23g
-
Carbohydrates: 20g
-
Fat: 27g
-
Saturated Fat: 10g
-
Cholesterol: 75mg
-
Sodium: 680mg
-
Fiber: 1g
-
Sugar: 2g
This makes Ritz Chicken Casserole a satisfying and balanced main dish, particularly if you pair it with steamed vegetables or a salad.
Budget-Friendly Cooking Tips
Ritz Chicken Casserole is already wallet-friendly, but you can stretch your dollar further with these tricks:
-
Buy whole chicken and cook it yourself instead of using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
-
Use store-brand ingredients for sour cream, soup, and crackers most taste identical to name brands.
-
Bulk cook and freeze: Make two casseroles at once bake one now and freeze the second for later.
-
Cheese ends: Ask your deli for cheese scraps or use whatever cheese you already have.
A filling dinner doesn’t have to break the bank and this recipe proves it.
Kid-Friendly Adaptations
Ritz Chicken Casserole is naturally a kid favorite, but here are some ways to make it even more appealing:
-
Mild flavor: Keep spices light skip cayenne or pepper if your kids are sensitive.
-
Mix in pasta: Add cooked elbow macaroni to make it like a baked chicken mac and cheese.
-
Serve with ketchup: Yes, some kids love dipping casserole bites in ketchup. No judgment here!
-
Mini casseroles: Bake the casserole in muffin tins for fun, single-serving “casserole cupcakes.”
Getting kids involved in the kitchen like letting them crush the crackers makes them more likely to eat what they helped prepare.
Holiday and Special Occasion Serving Ideas
This dish isn’t just for weeknights it shines on special occasions too:
-
Thanksgiving leftovers: Use leftover turkey instead of chicken and add a touch of cranberry sauce.
-
Christmas brunch: Pair it with cinnamon rolls and fruit salad for a cozy morning meal.
-
Easter lunch: Combine it with a spring salad and deviled eggs.
-
Backyard BBQs: Serve with grilled corn, slaw, and lemonade.
Ritz Chicken Casserole is humble but versatile easy enough for Tuesday, special enough for Sunday.
Secrets to the Best Ritz Topping
Let’s talk topping it’s what sets this casserole apart.
-
Crush gently: Don’t pulverize the crackers into dust. Leave some texture for crunch.
-
Use real butter: It melts better and adds richness. Margarine just doesn’t compare.
-
Add seasoning: A pinch of paprika, garlic salt, or even ranch powder amps up the flavor.
-
Bake uncovered: This is key to keeping that topping crisp and golden brown.
Pro tip: For even more crunch, sprinkle a few extra crackers on top in the last five minutes of baking.
How to Turn This into a Freezer Meal
Busy schedule? This casserole makes an ideal freezer meal.
To freeze unbaked:
-
Assemble the casserole up to the topping step.
-
Wrap tightly with foil and label with the date.
-
Freeze for up to 2 months.
-
Thaw in the fridge overnight, then add the topping and bake as usual.
To freeze baked leftovers:
-
Let cool completely.
-
Slice into individual servings.
-
Wrap in plastic or foil and store in freezer-safe bags.
-
Reheat in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave.
Frozen Ritz Chicken Casserole tastes just as comforting as fresh and saves you loads of time later.
Make It a Complete Meal
If you’re serving guests or simply want to round out your family dinner, here are some perfect pairings:
-
Appetizer: A simple tomato soup or Caesar salad.
-
Side dish: Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or wild rice.
-
Beverage: Iced tea, lemonade, or a light white wine like Pinot Grigio.
-
Dessert: Apple crisp, banana pudding, or chocolate chip cookies.
With these additions, Ritz Chicken Casserole easily becomes the centerpiece of a memorable meal.
A Brief History of Ritz Chicken Casserole
Ritz Chicken Casserole is a beloved dish in many American homes, especially across the South and Midwest. While its exact origins are unclear, the dish gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s when processed foods like canned soup and boxed crackers became pantry staples. Home cooks embraced convenient, budget-friendly recipes, and casseroles offered an easy way to feed large families.
The name comes from its signature topping Ritz crackers which were introduced in the 1930s. Known for their buttery taste and flaky texture, Ritz quickly became a popular addition to comfort food recipes.
The traditional version has stood the test of time, but modern variations have kept it fresh and versatile. Whether passed down through generations or discovered in a church cookbook, Ritz Chicken Casserole remains a nostalgic, satisfying classic.
Ingredient Spotlight
Let’s break down why each ingredient matters in Ritz Chicken Casserole:
Chicken:
The star of the show—choose cooked rotisserie chicken for ease, or poach chicken breasts for a leaner version. Shredded chicken distributes better through the casserole and absorbs more flavor.
Cream of chicken soup:
This pantry classic creates the creamy base. For a healthier version, use a low-sodium or homemade version.
Sour cream:
Adds tang and richness. Greek yogurt works as a healthier substitute without sacrificing texture.
Cheddar cheese:
Provides savory depth and that gooey, melty factor. Choose sharp cheddar for extra flavor, or try a blend like mozzarella and Monterey Jack.
Ritz crackers:
These are non-negotiable. Their buttery crunch is essential. Crush them lightly to keep some texture.
Butter:
Helps bind the cracker topping and enhances the richness of the dish.
Expert Tips for Perfect Ritz Chicken Casserole
Want to take your casserole from good to great? Follow these pro-level suggestions:
-
Even layers: Spread the filling evenly in the dish so every bite includes chicken and cheese. Don’t overload one side.
-
Crunch control: If you’re meal-prepping, add the Ritz topping just before baking to preserve texture.
-
Cheese under the topping: Try adding a second layer of cheese before the crackers for an extra gooey surprise.
-
Broil carefully: For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.
-
Taste before baking: Always taste the filling before you top it—adjust seasoning if needed.
Little tweaks like these help ensure your Ritz Chicken Casserole comes out perfect every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ritz Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely. It adds a similar tangy flavor and cuts down on fat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free soup substitute.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
Try making a homemade version with chicken broth, milk, and a roux.
Related Resources
Final Thoughts
Ritz Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe. It’s a comfort dish with a story, passed from one generation to the next. With creamy chicken, savory cheese, and a cracker topping that’s hard to resist, this casserole deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Make it for your family, share it at a potluck, or prepare it ahead for a stress-free dinner. However you serve it, this casserole always delivers.
Comments and Reviews