Name: Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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There’s just something undeniably special about a pan of Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole coming out of the oven: cozy, golden, and bubbling with goodness. This family-favorite dish marries juicy chicken, luscious sauce, a crown of buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, and hints of sharp cheddar—all coming together for an irresistible weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving comfort on a chilly night, Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole delivers flavor, warmth, and joy in every bite.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients create such show-stopping comfort food magic. Each addition brings its own touch to the Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole—flavor, texture, and that unforgettable home-cooked vibe.

Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken keeps this recipe quick, moist, and full of flavor, plus it shaves off serious prep time.
Cream of chicken soup: The backbone of that creamy sauce, providing body and savory depth in every bite.
Sour cream: Adds silkiness and a gentle tang that lifts the casserole above the ordinary.
Garlic powder: This pantry staple infuses every layer with aromatic warmth and flavor.
Onion powder: Rounds out the base with a sweet, subtle bite.
Black pepper: Just a little freshly cracked black pepper brings every other flavor to life.
Ritz crackers: The signature, buttery crunch that sets this casserole apart—don’t substitute another cracker here!
Unsalted butter: Melting butter into the crackers guarantees a golden, crisp topping no one can resist.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the filling for extra richness and that beloved cheesy pull.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled over the top, it adds a pop of color and freshness right as you serve.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and your casserole gets that golden, even bake all over.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. If you’re in a cheesy mood, this is also where you’ll stir in that shredded cheddar cheese. Everything should be thoroughly blended and luxuriously creamy at this stage.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top. This even layer will help the cracker topping bake up perfectly crisp without any soggy spots.

Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping

Add some fun to the process by crushing a sleeve of Ritz crackers—kids love helping with this part! Mix them with melted unsalted butter in a separate bowl until every crumb is glossy and ready to crisp up in the oven.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken layer, then transfer the dish to your oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is a rich golden brown and the casserole beneath is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy!

When it’s piping hot and gorgeous, remove from the oven and shower the top with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole warm so everyone gets a bit of that crunchy, buttery topping in every scoop.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

Garnishes

The classic finishing touch is a handful of vibrant fresh parsley. If you’re feeling fancy, a few shavings of Parmesan or a sprinkle of chopped scallions also work wonders. The green garnish makes the casserole pop and adds an inviting freshness against all the gooey comfort.

Side Dishes

This is a rich casserole, so it shines alongside lighter sides: a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or even peas tossed with a little lemon and olive oil make perfect partners. For a heartier meal, try roasted potatoes or a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole into ramekins for individual portions (so everyone gets plenty of crispy topping), load leftovers into a buttered roll for an over-the-top sandwich, or even use it to fill halved baked potatoes for a dinner party twist. There’s no wrong way to serve up this comfort classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer portions into airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a weeknight lifesaver.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil (to ward off freezer burn), and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To keep that signature crunchy top, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—typically about 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works for individual servings, but the oven is best for preserving texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cracker if I don’t have Ritz?

While technically you could substitute other buttery crackers, Ritz really delivers on both flavor and crunch. That signature butteriness is part of what makes Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole so beloved—other crackers may fall short on texture and taste.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free buttery crackers. Many specialty stores carry options that make it easy to whip up a gluten-free version that doesn’t compromise on that delicious crunch.

What vegetables can I add to make it a full meal?

This casserole invites customization! Stir in a cup or two of steamed broccoli, thawed peas, or finely diced carrots before baking. The creamy base wraps the veggies in flavor and transforms Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole into a one-pan meal.

Can I assemble Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole ahead of time?

You bet! Prepare the chicken mixture in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Wait to add the cracker topping until just before you’re ready to bake—this keeps it extra crisp and fresh.

How do I make this casserole extra cheesy?

For serious cheese lovers, double the shredded cheddar or try a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Swiss. You could sprinkle a little cheese on top of the crackers for bonus gooeyness, just watch to keep the topping from browning too fast.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for ultimate comfort and crowd-pleasing smiles, give Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole a try. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels just as perfect for a busy Tuesday as it does for sharing with friends and family at special gatherings. Cozy, creamy, and golden—the only problem is resisting a second helping!