If you’re craving a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s both creamy and crunchy, this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole hits all the marks. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, velvety sauce and topped with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust that adds the perfect crunch. This dish is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy Sunday meal.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you get layers of flavor and texture that taste far more complex than the effort involved. It’s the kind of comfort food everyone will ask for seconds of, and the leftover sauce makes a perfect pairing with rice or mashed potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and simple: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
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Kid-approved: Crispy topping and creamy sauce make it a hit for picky eaters.
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Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
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Versatile sides: Pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or salad.
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Make-ahead friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready.
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Comfort food classic: Rich, creamy, and indulgent without being fussy.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy protein that forms the base of the casserole.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
Ritz Crackers: Crushed crackers create a buttery, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps the topping crisp beautifully.
Butter: Enriches the cracker topping and adds a golden finish.
Sour Cream: Gives the sauce creamy texture and a slight tang.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds depth, creaminess, and classic comfort flavor.
Chicken Broth: Balances the sauce consistency and adds savory richness.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): Provides a fresh, bright garnish for presentation and subtle flavor.
Pro Tips
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Evenly crush the crackers: Use a food processor or rolling pin for uniform topping.
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Don’t overbake: Chicken cooks quickly in the creamy sauce—check at 30 minutes to avoid drying out.
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Broil for extra crunch: A 1–2 minute broil at the end gives the cracker topping a golden, restaurant-style finish.
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Room temperature chicken: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking to cook evenly.
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Sauce consistency: Adjust the sour cream and broth ratio if needed for thicker or thinner sauce depending on preference.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Protein swap: Use turkey breasts or boneless chops for a different twist.
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Cheese variations: Try sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a more pronounced flavor.
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Topping alternatives: Crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs can replace Ritz crackers.
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Add vegetables: Mix in frozen peas, diced carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
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Dairy-free option: Substitute sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and use non-dairy butter for topping.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic pairing: Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
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Mashed potato side: Spoon the casserole over buttery mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food.
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Light option: Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance richness.
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Holiday meal: Include this dish alongside cranberry sauce and dinner rolls for a festive dinner.
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Family-style serving: Bake in a large casserole dish and serve directly from the oven for a warm, hearty meal.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep in advance: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
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Freezing: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
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Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture.
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Individual servings: Portion into small baking dishes or ramekins for easy reheating and lunch-ready meals.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Casseroles have long been a staple of American comfort food, combining pantry staples and leftovers into a single, hearty dish. The addition of Ritz crackers as a topping is a mid-20th century innovation that adds buttery crunch while keeping preparation simple. This combination of creamy sauce and crispy topping has made Ritz-topped casseroles a timeless favorite in home kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use non-dairy sour cream, butter, and a dairy-free cheese substitute if desired.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, frozen peas, carrots, or green beans can be mixed into the creamy sauce for extra color and nutrients.
4. How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Make sure to watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, assemble fully and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s also freezer-friendly if baked later.
6. What sides go best with Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to complement the creamy and crunchy textures.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken.
- In another bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken and sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C). For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with sides of your choice.
