Description
Discover how to make the ultimate Ritz Chicken Casserole—creamy chicken topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients:
- 3–4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom or celery)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Prepare the Chicken: If not already done, cook and shred or dice the chicken. Spread the chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. If you’re adding cheese or vegetables, mix them into the sauce at this stage.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the sauce evenly, ensuring all the chicken is covered.
- Prepare the Topping: In another mixing bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated with butter.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. The casserole is best served hot and pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Enhance the Topping: For an even more flavorful topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with grated Parmesan cheese or panko breadcrumbs. This adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, making the casserole even more delicious.
- Make It Ahead: Ritz Chicken Casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply uncover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.
- Serving Suggestions: For a complete meal, pair the casserole with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. A side of crusty bread or dinner rolls is also a great addition to soak up any extra creamy sauce.