Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

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A creamy, crunchy comfort classic that brings everyone to the table.

There’s something quietly magical about pulling a golden, bubbling casserole out of the oven. That soft crackle of buttery Ritz topping, the scent of creamy chicken sauce drifting through the kitchen, it’s nostalgia baked in real time.

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that doesn’t demand perfection, just a little care and a craving for comfort. Tender chicken breasts soak in a velvety sauce of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, then get tucked beneath a crisp, golden blanket of crushed Ritz crackers and Parmesan. It’s humble, hearty, and endlessly adaptable, perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or those evenings when you just need food that feels like a hug.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Season the chicken: Pat dry and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange evenly in the prepared dish.
3. Make the creamy sauce: In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. Prepare the topping: In another bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
5. Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce.
6. Bake: Leave uncovered and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the topping is golden.
7. Optional finish: For an extra-crispy crust, broil for 1–2 minutes — but watch closely!
8. Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken

• Even crushing matters: Use a rolling pin or food processor for consistent crumb size.
• Avoid dry chicken: Check for doneness at 30 minutes — overbaking is the biggest culprit.
• Boost flavor: Add garlic powder or a dash of paprika to the sauce for subtle depth.
• Make-ahead magic: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Extra crunch: Broil at the end for that golden, restaurant-style topping.

Variations & Substitutions

• Protein swaps: Try turkey cutlets, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a twist.
• Cheese lovers: Mix in shredded cheddar or Gruyère for a richer bite.
• Veggie boost: Fold in frozen peas, diced carrots, or green beans for color and nutrition.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute dairy-free yogurt for sour cream and plant-based butter for topping.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free buttery crackers in place of Ritz.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole plays well with almost anything. For a classic comfort pairing, spoon it over mashed potatoes or steamed rice — the sauce seeps in perfectly. For a lighter touch, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

It also makes a fantastic holiday side, sharing the spotlight with cranberry sauce, stuffing, or dinner rolls. And if you’re feeding a crowd, serve it family-style straight from the oven — because nothing says “home” like a bubbling casserole in the center of the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes — just thaw it completely and pat dry before baking for even cooking and proper sauce texture.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

How can I make it extra crispy on top?

A quick 1–2 minute broil at the end does wonders. Just keep an eye on it — buttered crackers can burn fast.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or green beans blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.

What sides go best with this?

Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or a simple Caesar salad all complement the creamy, savory flavor beautifully.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 620mg

(Values vary based on ingredients and portion size.)

There’s a reason Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole never really leaves the American dinner table, it’s comfort food without pretense. It doesn’t try to impress; it just satisfies. The creamy sauce, the buttery crunch, the way everyone goes quiet for that first bite, it’s pure kitchen nostalgia.

So next time you’re short on time but craving something that tastes like effort, pull out that sleeve of Ritz crackers. This might just become the dish your family starts requesting by name.

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