Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting and savory dish made with shredded chicken, creamy soup, and a golden, crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy gathering, bringing simple ingredients together for a meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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8 cups of densely packed shredded rotisserie chicken (from two whole rotisserie chickens)
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Two 10.5 oz cans of cream of chicken soup
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1 cup of thinly sliced scallions (plus extra for garnishing)
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1 (8 oz) container of sour cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1.5 tsp garlic powder
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1.5 tsp onion powder
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1.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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1.5 tsp kosher salt
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2 sleeves of buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 60 crackers)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
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Preparation of Ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure they’re ready for use.
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Preheat and Mix: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, scallions, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Spread this mixture evenly across the dish.
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Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, ensuring the crackers are fully coated. Sprinkle this cracker mixture evenly over the chicken base in the dish.
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Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the cracker topping has turned golden brown.
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Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with additional sliced scallions. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrients
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Calories: 350-400 per serving
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Carbohydrates: 25-30g
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Fat: 20-25g
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Protein: 25-30g
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Fiber: 2-3g
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or a cozy family dinner. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and smiles to the table.
Why Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a Must-Try
What makes Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole so special is its comforting, hearty flavors combined with its easy preparation. The combination of rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a savory mix of seasonings creates a rich, creamy base that pairs wonderfully with the buttery, golden Ritz cracker topping. The texture contrast between the creamy casserole and the crispy crackers makes each bite a delightful experience.
This casserole is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also makes enough to feed a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. It’s an ideal dish for those who want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The familiar flavors and creamy texture make it a family favorite that’s bound to be requested again and again.
The Key Ingredients in Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
The ingredients in Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole are simple yet effective, coming together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:
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Rotisserie Chicken: The shredded rotisserie chicken is the star of the dish. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, making it an easy protein source for this casserole. Using rotisserie chicken also saves time, making this dish even more convenient.
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Cream of Chicken Soup and Sour Cream: These two ingredients form the creamy base of the casserole. The cream of chicken soup adds a rich, savory flavor, while the sour cream contributes to the dish’s tangy richness. Together, they make the casserole filling smooth and decadent.
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Scallions (Green Onions): The fresh scallions bring a bit of brightness and a mild onion flavor to the casserole. They provide a nice contrast to the rich creaminess and give the dish a fresh, herby note.
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Dijon Mustard and Seasonings: The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang to the dish, balancing out the richness of the creaminess. The garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper enhance the overall flavor, giving the casserole depth and warmth.
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Ritz Crackers: The crushed Ritz crackers are key to creating the golden, crunchy topping that makes this casserole so irresistible. The buttery flavor of the crackers, combined with the melted butter, forms a crispy, savory crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
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Butter: The melted butter is used to coat the Ritz crackers, ensuring they bake to a crisp golden brown while adding richness to the topping.
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Making Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is simple and quick, taking only a few steps. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish:
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the rotisserie chicken is shredded and the crackers are crushed. Having everything ready will make the preparation process quick and easy.
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Preheat and Mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chopped scallions, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
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Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are fully coated with the butter, ensuring they’re evenly mixed.
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Assemble the Casserole: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, covering the surface completely.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown.
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Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. For an added touch of freshness, garnish with extra chopped scallions before serving.
Why Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is Perfect for Any Occasion
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is perfect for almost any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can easily be scaled up for a large gathering or made in a smaller batch for a cozy family dinner. The combination of flavors—creamy chicken, savory seasonings, and a crunchy cracker topping—makes this casserole a dish that everyone can enjoy.
Because it uses pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, it comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have much time to cook. It’s also great for meal prepping, as it stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, a holiday meal, or just need something hearty for your family, Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a go-to recipe that delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
Tips for Making the Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
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Use Fresh Chicken: While rotisserie chicken is convenient, you can also use freshly cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before adding it to the casserole.
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Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add more garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
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Add Veggies: If you want to add extra vegetables, consider incorporating frozen peas or spinach into the chicken mixture for added nutrition and color.
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Make Ahead: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Bake it the next day as directed.
Conclusion: Why You Should Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and convenience. With its creamy chicken filling, savory seasonings, and crunchy Ritz cracker topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a cozy dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a reliable go-to. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and packed with flavors everyone will love. Try making it today, and enjoy the delicious, comforting taste of this classic casserole!