Name: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 1 cup sour cream; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers), crushed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray

Why You’ll Love Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Easy to assemble: It uses cooked chicken, canned soup and just a few other staples—ideal for a weeknight dinner.

Creamy filling + crunchy topping: The contrast of a rich, comforting base and crisp cracker crust is irresistibly delicious.

Versatile and crowd‑pleasing: You can add vegetables, swap seasonings or serve over rice to make it your own.

Great for leftovers or doubling up: It reheats well and you can even prep ahead or freeze for later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
condensed cream of chicken soup (or similar cream soup)
sour cream
green onions (optional)
Ritz crackers (or similar buttery round crackers), crushed
melted butter
salt and pepper (and optional seasonings like garlic or onion powder)

Directions

Preheat the oven (typically around 350°F / ~175°C).
Grease a baking dish (for example a 9 × 13‑inch or equivalent size).
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and sliced green onions (if using). Season with salt, pepper and any extra seasonings you like.
Spread the chicken‑soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
Sprinkle the cracker‑butter mixture over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly (about 25‑30 minutes).
Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm—perhaps with steamed vegetables, a salad or rice.

Servings and timing

This casserole typically serves 6 to 8 people. Prep time is about 10–15 minutes, and cook time is about 25–30 minutes, for a total time of around 35–45 minutes.

Variations

Add shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture for extra cheesiness.
Mix in vegetables such as broccoli florets, frozen mixed vegetables or peas for more color and nutrients.
Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken for a flavor twist.
Change the seasoning—garlic powder, onion powder, paprika or Dijon mustard can boost flavor.
Use a different topping: crushed potato chips, seasoned breadcrumbs or fried onions instead of Ritz crackers.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3‑4 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for around 30‑45 seconds, or the full dish in the oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole (without toppings you want to stay crisp) for up to 2‑3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven, adding fresh cracker topping if desired.

FAQs

What kind of Chicken works best?

You can use leftover cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or poached and shredded chicken breasts. The key is that the chicken is already cooked and shredded for quick assembly.

Can I use a different soup than cream of chicken?

Yes — you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer. The texture will be similar but the flavor will change slightly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) ahead, refrigerate it, then just add the topping and bake when ready.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes — mixing in vegetables such as broccoli, peas, mixed frozen vegetables or even bell peppers works well and adds variety.

Is there a lower‑sodium version?

Yes — choose lower‑sodium soup, unsalted or lightly salted butter, and you could use reduced‑salt crackers or fewer crackers.

What can I serve with this casserole?

Great sides include steamed green beans, broccoli, a simple green salad, or serving it over cooked rice.

Can I use whole crackers instead of crushed?

You’ll want to crush the crackers so they form a topping that browns. Whole crackers won’t give the same coverage or crisp texture.

Why is the topping sometimes soggy?

If the topping is covered too tightly during baking or the cracker‑butter mixture is too thick or the dish is too full of liquid, it can soften. Ensuring the mixture isn’t overly wet and baking uncovered helps.

How do I make the topping extra crunchy?

Use melted butter generously, spread crumbs evenly, bake on the middle rack, and avoid covering during baking. Let it rest a few minutes after baking before serving.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes — you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish; you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time to ensure everything is heated through and the topping is crisp.

Conclusion

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a reliable go‑to for comfort food that’s simple, satisfying and adaptable. With creamy chicken, savory flavor, and a crisp topping, it hits the right note for weeknight dinners, family meals or gatherings. Try it as is, then feel free to tweak it to your tastes with veggies, spices or toppings—once you’ve made it, chances are it’ll become one of your favorites.