If you love cozy, comforting meals that bring a warm smile to your face, then the Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Picture tender, shredded chicken bathed in a creamy, savory sauce seasoned just right and topped with a perfectly buttery, golden Ritz cracker crust that adds the most delightful crunch. This dish marries simple ingredients with nostalgic charm, creating a casserole that feels like a big, comforting hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or indulging yourself, this recipe promises to deliver satisfying flavor and ease in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make the Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, all coming together into a dish that’s both hearty and approachable.
- Condensed chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Acts as the creamy base, tying all the flavors together.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant blend of herbs that lift the dish with subtle complexity.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tanginess and richness, balancing the creamy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and seasoning.
- Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of warmth and depth.
- Sliced green onions (1/4 cup): Provides a fresh, mild kick and a pop of green color.
- Cooked and shredded chicken (3 cups): The star of the dish, tender and ready to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Create the irresistible crispy topping that makes this casserole shine.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Binds the cracker crumbs and adds a rich, golden finish to the crust.
How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking and to help with even cooking of your casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that forms the comforting backbone of your casserole.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Green Onions
Fold in the cooked, shredded chicken and sliced green onions. Make sure the chicken pieces get fully coated with the creamy sauce, which promises each bite is bursting with flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This ensures an even bake and a consistent flavor throughout every serving.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a separate bowl. Mixing them thoroughly allows the crumbs to soak up the butter, creating that golden crust everyone will love.
Step 6: Add the Ritz Cracker Topping
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture, covering the top completely for a gorgeous, crunchy finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the whole dish is bubbling warmly.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. This sets the layers just right and makes serving easier, though honestly, it’s tempting to dive right in.
How to Serve Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the fresh flavor and add a touch of color, sprinkle extra sliced green onions or a handful of chopped fresh parsley. A little crack of black pepper over the top before serving also elevates the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls complement the rich flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Ritz Chicken Casserole straight from the baking dish for that warm, homey vibe, or portion it into individual ramekins for a more elegant touch. You can also layer it into a casserole tower with additional fresh herbs between servings for a striking presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a cinch to store—just cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making for an easy lunch or quick dinner option later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save this comfort food for longer, freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it securely in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn, and it will keep deliciously for up to 2 months. When you want to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy on top again, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave a single serving, but the oven method helps maintain that delightful crunchy cracker topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and shred your chicken fully before mixing it in with the other ingredients. Boiled or roasted chicken works best to keep the texture tender and moist.
Is there a way to make the Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz crackers for a similar texture and flavor. Just be sure the rest of your ingredients, like the condensed soup, are also gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Adding peas, diced carrots, or mushrooms can bring extra flavor and nutrition. Just lightly steam or sauté them beforehand to keep the casserole from becoming too watery.
What cheese goes well with Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe?
While not in the original recipe, sprinkling a bit of shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella under the cracker topping adds a wonderful melted layer that pairs beautifully with the crispy crust.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves about 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings where everyone will be asking for seconds.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe is the kind of comforting dish that hits all the right notes — warm, creamy, flavorful, and topped with a crispy crust that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re new to casseroles or looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser, this recipe’s simplicity and heartiness make it a must-try. Trust me, once you make it, it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
Print
Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a family dinner. It features tender shredded chicken blended with a savory sour cream and chicken soup sauce, topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for a golden, crunchy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 10.5 ounces can condensed chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Soup and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly blended into a smooth sauce.
- Add Chicken and Onions: Fold in the cooked and shredded chicken along with the sliced green onions. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly with the creamy sauce mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure uniform cooking.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until all cracker crumbs are well coated with the butter, which will help create a crispy topping.
- Apply Topping: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture to cover it completely for a crunchy crust after baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping becomes golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of crushed nuts to the topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
