Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Name: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 8 cups packed shredded rotisserie chicken (from 2 whole rotisserie chickens); 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sliced scallions, plus more for garnish; 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 sleeves round buttery crackers (about 60 crackers), crushed (such as Ritz®); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cook Time: 30 minutes

This hearty chicken casserole is a comforting meal that combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy soup, and a crispy buttery cracker topping. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day!

Ingredients

8 cups packed shredded rotisserie chicken (from 2 whole rotisserie chickens)
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
1 (8 ounce) sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 sleeves buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 60 crackers)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sliced scallions, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt.
Transfer the chicken mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until well coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Once baked, garnish with additional sliced scallions for a fresh touch.
Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, comforting casserole!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	408
Total Fat	30g	39%
Saturated Fat	13g	66%
Cholesterol	85mg	28%
Sodium	794mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	23g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1g	5%
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	12g	24%
Vitamin C	3mg	3%
Calcium	91mg	7%
Iron	2mg	12%
Potassium	222mg	5%

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

The Story Behind Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that traces its roots to mid-20th century America, when convenience foods like canned soups and prepackaged crackers became kitchen staples. Housewives and home cooks sought quick yet satisfying meals, leading to the creation of casseroles that combined accessible ingredients into one hearty dish. The buttery crunch of Ritz crackers atop tender chicken mixed with creamy soups offered both texture and flavor, making it an instant family favorite. Over time, this casserole evolved into a classic weeknight dinner and potluck staple, embodying the ingenuity of home cooking in the post-war era.

Regional Variations

This casserole is most popular in the Southern and Midwestern United States, where casseroles are a beloved comfort food tradition. In the South, cooks often enrich the dish with extra cream, cheese, or vegetables like peas, carrots, and celery, reflecting the regions love for hearty, creamy flavors. Meanwhile, Midwestern versions emphasize practicality, sometimes substituting rotisserie chicken or leftovers for fresh chicken, ensuring the dish is both filling and budget-friendly. The buttery cracker topping remains a hallmark, though some regions prefer crushed garlic or herb-flavored Ritz crackers to add a distinctive twist.

What Sets It Apart From Similar Dishes

While many chicken casseroles rely on breadcrumbs or cheese for texture, the Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole stands out for its signature buttery cracker topping, which melts slightly while baking, creating a delicate crunch. Unlike chicken pot pie, it lacks a full pastry crust, and compared to simple baked chicken and vegetables, it incorporates a creamy, slightly tangy mixture of sour cream, mustard, and cream of chicken soup. This combination produces a balanced flavor profile that is rich without being heavy, offering both creaminess and a satisfying topping in every bite.

Typical Serving Occasions

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is commonly served at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd make it perfect for weeknight meals as well as special occasions. Often accompanied by simple sides like green beans, corn, or a fresh salad, it is frequently garnished with scallions or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Leftovers are also highly prized, as the flavors continue to meld, making it just as delicious the next day.

Fun and Interesting Facts

The dish became popular partly due to the marketing of Ritz crackers in the 1950s and 1960s, highlighting their versatility beyond simple snacks.
Home cooks often personalize the casserole by adding vegetables, spices, or cheeses, demonstrating its adaptability and enduring appeal.
Despite its simplicity, it has inspired countless variations, including gluten-free versions using alternative crackers or dairy-free adaptations for modern dietary preferences.
Many families have passed down their own Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipes through generations, making it both a culinary and nostalgic tradition.
In some regions, it is affectionately called "the church potluck casserole" because of its frequent appearance at community events and gatherings.

FAQ about Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Leftover Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

Yes, you can use other types of crackers like saltines or club crackers. The buttery flavor of Ritz crackers is preferred for the topping, but feel free to experiment with other options based on your taste preferences.

Yes, you can use any cooked chicken in this recipe. If you don't have rotisserie chicken, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them for the casserole.

To add more spice, you can incorporate ingredients like diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes into the casserole mixture. You can also use spicy flavored crackers or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or fat-free versions of ingredients like sour cream and cream of chicken soup. However, keep in mind that this may change the texture and flavor of the casserole.

Yes, you can omit the Dijon mustard if you prefer. If you want to add a little tang, try using a small amount of lemon juice or a different type of mustard.

This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. It can also be served over biscuits for a heartier meal.

Yes, you can double the recipe if you're serving a larger crowd. Be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You may need to bake it a little longer, so keep an eye on it to ensure it cooks through.

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the casserole. Sautéed mushrooms or chopped celery can also be a great addition for extra flavor and texture.

Comments

GutsyRum2512

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I'm going to cut the recipe in half. It seems like more than my small family would eat, but it sounds great!

Cheryl

08/24/2024 10:38:31 PM

Recipe was very easy to follow and my 20-year old son loved it! After reading some of the reviews, I made a couple of edits to the recipe. I left out the Dijon mustard and added 1/2 c Duke’s mayonnaise. I also added about 1/2 t. of ground white pepper and 1/4 t. of cayenne for some spice! I also halved the recipe to try it!

FlimsyKiwi5390

08/26/2024 04:42:36 PM

I love it just as is, and when my picky, religious family is not coming to dinner, I replaced the half a cup of chicken stock with white wine. I also do my own DIY cream of chicken soup, which is great because I never have those cans around. I love this with a little bit of dry sage or poultry seasoning. But if you do none of the above, it’s still great!

susan Gar

08/15/2024 10:01:02 PM

I only have one thing to change. I have to make it a smaller portion of this I only have three people that eat in my household so I just need maybe one rotisserie chicken and then the rest ingredients a smaller portion size of ingredients.

FrothyGyro7328

10/06/2024 04:05:58 AM

WOW! I read through the recipe and adjusted the chicken portion down to two chicken breasts. From there, I cut the rest of the ingredients in half and put it together. Seeing that the mixture was a bit too creamy, I added two eggs. Next, I added one can of peas, and one cup of raw broccoli. Finally, I substituted butter with Smart Balance margarine and it turned out AWESOME! This recipe allowed me to taste every ingredient in every bite. That never happened before. Thank you!

ChirpyBeer7075

03/10/2025 11:19:33 PM

I cut it in half and make a 9x9....its delicious.Sometimes I throw in leftover veggies. I also use the garlic Ritz crackers for extra flavor.

LoftyFarro9334

05/05/2025 06:15:15 PM

I made half the recipe, used raw chicken tenderloins cut up, added sautéed mushrooms and put mini carrots around the perimeter of a 8 x 9 casserole dish. Added a dash of white wine to the soup mixture. Really good. I make different versions of this from time to time depending on what I have on hand. Quick and easy. Because I used raw chicken I bake at 375 for 45 minutes.

Tanya

11/14/2024 11:11:45 PM

I had to half the recipe bc I didn’t have enough chicken. But it was enough for two people and second helpings.

CLane

08/30/2024 07:36:38 PM

I took the advice of others and added additional ingredients for flavor. I added some celery and onions. Next time I may add some carrots. This recipe is very versatile allowing you to adjust to your taste. This is a keeper!

Regina Riddle

03/29/2025 08:36:29 PM

I have been making this for years. My children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren love. Only things I do differently is add chopped celery, a can of cream of mushroom soup and some sour cream. A winner every time.

FancyPot6907

01/01/2025 09:30:08 PM

It was good. I followed the recipe to the letter. It needed carrots and celery for more flavor. I made it again and it was much more flavorful.

CraftyWhey8715

07/27/2025 05:15:25 PM

Sounds delicious. Can’t wait to try it.👍

Linda B

06/14/2025 11:10:50 PM

I didn't have any green onions (scallions) but I added carrots and celery and served over biscuits. Also cut the recipe in a little more than half as there are just 2 of us. Very good!!

PSH

06/14/2025 07:07:07 PM

Quite similar to one my Mom made for the grandkids! 🥰

Purr

05/08/2025 11:31:50 PM

Surprised at how flavorful this was. I subbed dry mustard and cut the recipe in half.

Scott Ramirez

03/30/2025 03:56:49 PM

Lowkey amazing, not even kidding.

ceecee

03/01/2025 07:35:41 PM

This came out so good!!! All I changed was adding lots more spices and jalapenos and cream cheese, so delicious!!!! It's even good cold. Great casserole!

LilacPulp7573

02/24/2025 12:35:31 AM

it was so good and taste like crackers almost so they can get more taste of it that i can taste more of it not just the crackers so that how much i love the that recipe.

Kathy

02/13/2025 06:03:05 PM

Made 1/2 recipe and used as an appetizer/dip.

DandyGlass5205

12/27/2024 10:44:34 PM

I followed this recipe exactly as written. OMG! It was soooo good! Definitely a keeper.

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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

The Story Behind Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Regional Variations

What Sets It Apart From Similar Dishes

Typical Serving Occasions

Fun and Interesting Facts

FAQ about Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe