To make this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, you’ll need shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, a few simple seasonings, Ritz crackers, and butter. That’s it.

Chances are, if you’ve got some leftover chicken in the fridge (or a rotisserie chicken on the counter), you’re already halfway there.

The filling comes together in one bowl, and the topping? Crushed buttery crackers tossed with melted butter. It feels almost too simple.

But here’s the thing: that creamy, savory chicken under a golden, crispy Ritz topping tastes like the kind of casserole that’s been passed around at family dinners for decades.

It’s cozy, dependable, and wildly satisfying for something that takes barely any effort.

The bottom line: minimal prep, maximum comfort, and a topping that people will absolutely fight over.

For Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Cooked Shredded Chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great here, but any cooked chicken breasts or thighs will do. It’s the hearty base of the casserole.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Brings everything together and creates that creamy, savory texture. You can also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery if that’s what you have.
Sour Cream – Adds richness and a slight tang. Full-fat gives the creamiest result, but light sour cream works too.
Onion Powder – Adds subtle depth without needing to chop an onion.
Garlic Powder – A simple way to boost flavor and round out the dish.
Salt and Black Pepper – Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the creamy filling.
Ritz Crackers – The star of the show. Once crushed and baked, they turn buttery and crisp on top.
Butter – Tossed with the crushed crackers to create that golden, crunchy topping everyone loves.

Classic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple dinner that feels warm and satisfying, this chicken casserole delivers every time. It’s a smart way to use cooked chicken—especially rotisserie—and it comes together with minimal prep.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Classic Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 40

Servings:

Notes

Ingredients

4 cups cooked shredded chicken (from rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts)
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1⁄2 tsp onion powder
1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
1⁄4 tsp salt
1⁄8 tsp black pepper
1 1⁄2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 45 crackers)
1⁄2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly, and the cracker topping is crispy and lightly browned.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Helpful Tips

Richer texture: Full-fat sour cream creates a thicker, creamier filling, though light versions can be used.
Easy crushing method: Place the crackers in a large zip-top bag and press with your hands or a rolling pin until crumbly.
Keep the topping crisp: Bake the casserole uncovered so the crackers stay crunchy.
Add-ins: Stir in 1–2 cups of steamed broccoli, peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables before adding the topping.
Soup swaps: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery can replace the cream of chicken.
Cheesy option: Mix 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture.
Alternate toppings: Try crushed potato chips, cornflakes, or panko bread crumbs instead of Ritz for a different texture.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with simple sides like green beans, corn, broccoli, or a crisp green salad. It’s also delicious spooned over warm rice for a heartier plate.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerator: Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer (Baked): Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Freezer (Unbaked): Assemble without the cracker topping, wrap well, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, then bake as directed.
Reheating: Cover with aluminum foil and warm at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Nutrition

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Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything except the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the buttery Ritz topping and pop it in the oven. Easy!
Why did my casserole turn out watery?
This usually happens if there’s extra moisture from frozen vegetables or freshly cooked chicken. Make sure your chicken is fully cooked and any add-ins are thawed and drained well before mixing.
How do I keep the topping crispy?
Bake the casserole uncovered and add the cracker topping right before baking. Covering it traps steam, which can soften that golden, crunchy layer we all love.
Can I substitute the soup or crackers?
Absolutely. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery works just fine. You can also swap the Ritz for crushed buttery crackers, cornflakes, or even panko for a different texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven helps bring back some of that crispy topping.