Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: Creamy, Crunchy, and Totally Irresistible
Introduction
Casserole lovers, this one’s for you. When you’re craving something easy, hearty, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. It’s the perfect storm of creamy, buttery, cheesy, and crunchy—all baked into one cozy dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or stocking the fridge with comfort food for the week, this casserole never disappoints.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love a good shortcut dinner, especially when it feels indulgent and satisfying without a lot of prep. This casserole hits that sweet spot. It uses pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and crushed Ritz crackers to create a comforting dish that’s ready for the oven in minutes. The buttery cracker topping is the chef’s kiss that seals the deal. It’s great for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want the comfort of a home-cooked meal without a sink full of dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Chicken: You can substitute chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat—just adjust cook time slightly.
- Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery can work in a pinch.
- Cheese: Swap Parmesan with sharp cheddar or add both for an extra cheesy kick.
- Crackers: No Ritz? Use crushed Club crackers or buttery breadcrumbs for a similar crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper, then place in the prepared baking dish.
- Mix the Topping:
- In a bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. Stir until the crackers are coated and slightly clumpy.
- Add Creamy Layers:
- Spread sour cream evenly over the chicken breasts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and sour cream.
- Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture generously over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F) and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use thin or pounded chicken breasts for even cooking and more surface area for toppings.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
- Want more crisp? Broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes to really crunch up that topping.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve this casserole with a simple side salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. It also goes perfectly with:
- Dorito Casserole for a fun, crunchy dinner duo
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole if you’re feeding a crowd
- Easy Turkey Wings for a cozy Sunday meal
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake if you want to start AND end the day with casserole goodness
- Beer Cheese Dip for an indulgent appetizer beforehand
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
- Freezer: Freeze fully baked portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
- Re-crisp the topping in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes if reheating a full portion.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love hearty, comforting, cheesy meals, don’t miss these favorites:
- Dorito Casserole
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Beer Cheese Dip
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake
Final Thoughts
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is what comfort food dreams are made of—easy to throw together, full of cozy flavor, and guaranteed to get devoured at the table. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll pass down or pull out anytime you need a no-fail dinner solution.
Tried it? Leave a comment or tag @chefmaniac in your creations! And don’t forget to follow us for more tried-and-true comfort food recipes you’ll make on repeat.
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