Cozy Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe That Warms Hearts

Weeknight dinners demand a magical chicken ritz casserole that simplifies meal prep with minimal ingredients.

Pantry staples create this comforting classic without complicated techniques.

Crispy crackers add delightful texture to tender chicken pieces.

Families love how quickly you can assemble these layers of deliciousness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between creamy sauce and crunchy topping.

Busy cooks appreciate how smoothly everything comes together in one baking dish.

This crowd-pleasing meal will make you the kitchen hero everyone adores.

Chicken Casserole with Buttery Crunch and Creamy Layers

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this casserole in under an hour with minimal prep, perfect for busy families craving a delicious, comforting dinner.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Transform simple ingredients like shredded chicken, crackers, and pantry staples into a satisfying dish that won't break the bank.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable recipe that works for casual family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults with its creamy texture and crunchy topping.
• No-Fuss Cooking Technique: Requires basic kitchen skills, making it an excellent option for novice cooks or those wanting a stress-free meal preparation experience.

What You Add To Chicken Ritz Casserole

• Chicken Breast: Tender, shredded meat provides the primary protein base for the casserole. Best when freshly cooked and still warm.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds rich, savory flavor and creamy texture. Canned soups work well for easy preparation.
• Sour Cream, Plain Greek Yogurt: Enhances creaminess and adds a slight tangy note. Greek yogurt offers a healthier alternative.

• Ritz Crackers: Creates a buttery, crisp golden layer on top. Classic crackers provide a nostalgic comfort food texture.
• Butter: Helps bind and brown the cracker topping. Unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
• Poppy Seeds (Optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual interest to the topping. Can be easily omitted if preferred.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Guide

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream.

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

The creamy texture will start to come together, creating a delicious base for your casserole.

Step 3: Create Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.

If you’re using poppy seeds, sprinkle them into the cracker mixture and mix thoroughly.

The buttery cracker crumbs will create a golden, crunchy topping that adds incredible texture to the dish.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Carefully sprinkle the buttery cracker crumb mixture over the top, creating a complete coverage that will turn beautifully golden when baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

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

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start to bubble slightly.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering anticipation.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the creamy filling to set and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and enjoy your comforting, creamy chicken Ritz casserole!

Handy Hints for Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

• Use freshly cooked, tender chicken breast for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
• Crush Ritz crackers coarsely to ensure a perfectly crunchy, golden-brown layer that adds delightful texture.
• Drizzle melted butter gradually over cracker crumbs to prevent soggy topping and achieve an even, crisp crust.
• Sprinkle poppy seeds for subtle nutty flavor or experiment with herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the dish's overall taste profile.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole – Keep Crunchy and Creamy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the casserole cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent crackers from burning.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if the casserole seems dry.

Serve This with Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy casserole's rich texture and cut through its buttery flavor profile.
• Serve Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a bright, tangy side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty and dense consistency.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful vegetable side dish with roasted asparagus, carrots, and zucchini to add nutrition and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy chicken casserole.
• Select Crisp Chardonnay: Choose an unoaked Chardonnay with subtle apple and pear notes to enhance the casserole's creamy elements without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole: Rich and Creamy Twists

• Gluten-Free Cracker Crunch: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Swap sour cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter alternative to create a lactose-free version of the casserole.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Substitute Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option that reduces carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, cooked quinoa, or roasted chickpeas to create a plant-based alternative that maintains the casserole's creamy texture.

FAQs

• How do I cook the chicken for this casserole?

Poach chicken breasts in water or broth for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked, then shred using two forks or a hand mixer for quick and easy shredding.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option that adds extra flavor and saves you cooking time when preparing this casserole.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the entire dish gluten-free.

• What can I add to boost the flavor of this casserole?

Consider mixing in some diced onions, garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or parsley, or a splash of chicken broth to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible Chicken Ritz Casserole, blending crispy crackers with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. Hearty layers promise a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds and you craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast meat

Creamy Base:

• 10.75 ounces (305 grams) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Topping and Seasoning:

• 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1 stick (1/2 cup or 113 grams) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer.
4. Crush the Ritz crackers into fine, textured crumbs, breaking them down completely for optimal coverage.
5. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, ensuring it is completely liquefied and smooth.
6. Combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter, stirring until every crumb is saturated and glistening.
7. Sprinkle the poppy seeds over the buttered cracker mixture for an optional subtle flavor and visual appeal.
8. Distribute the cracker topping uniformly across the chicken layer, creating a complete golden-brown coverage.
9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns a rich, crispy golden color and the edges begin to bubble.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and add protein, making the dish healthier and tangier.
• Crush Ritz crackers coarsely for extra crunch and better texture in the casserole topping.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds more flavor complexity to the dish.
• Prepare casserole ahead and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and deepen for a more delicious meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 422
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1024 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg