Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the kind of cozy, ultra-creamy dish that instantly solves the “What’s for dinner?” dilemma. With tender shredded chicken, a velvety sauce, and a golden, buttery Ritz topping, it delivers comfort in every bite—without demanding much time or effort. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, prepping for a potluck, or craving a simple weeknight meal, this casserole brings everything together in one warm, satisfying pan.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & fuss-free: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and a single baking dish—ideal for busy nights.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors: Creamy chicken filling meets a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust that everyone loves.
• Flexible & forgiving: Easy to customize with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices.
• Comfort on a plate: Warm, creamy, crunchy—this casserole hits every comforting note.
• Reliable results: The cottage cheese + sour cream combo keeps the filling rich and silky without being heavy.

What sets this version apart is the perfectly balanced sauce, plus the extra punch from chives and cayenne. The result is a casserole that feels nostalgic but tastes even better than the classic.

Ingredients Needed

For the Creamy Chicken Base

• Cooking spray
• 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 3/4 cup cottage cheese (4%), stirred
• 3/4 cup sour cream, full-fat for best texture
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, thinly sliced
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken, packed loosely
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• Freshly ground black pepper, to season
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

For the Ritz Cracker Topping

• 31 Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve), crushed into coarse crumbs
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Step 1 — Prepare the Base

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the casserole browns evenly and heats through properly.
2. Grease an 11″ × 8″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, chives, garlic powder, and cayenne until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
   • Tip: Mixing thoroughly helps avoid pockets of unmixed dairy, giving you a perfectly creamy sauce.
4. Fold in the shredded chicken and peas until everything is evenly coated. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
5. Spread the mixture into the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the filling.

Step 2 — Make the Buttery Crumb Topping

6. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
   • The crumbs should look lightly damp—this ensures a crisp, golden crust.
7. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the cheddar, covering the entire surface for even browning.

Step 3 — Bake

8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is deeply golden.
   • If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last few minutes.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
• Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or roasted broccoli to balance the richness.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the filling can set slightly.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F to revive the crisp topping, or microwave individual portions.
• Freeze: You may freeze before baking (without the cracker topping) for up to 3 months. Add the topping just before baking for best texture.

Helpful Notes

• For extra richness, swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
• Add veggies like corn, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms for more texture.
• Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
• Want a thicker filling? Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of flour with the dairy mixture.
• Add a splash of broth if the mixture seems too thick before baking.

Conclusion

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is everything a comforting dinner should be—creamy, flavorful, and satisfyingly crunchy on top. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet special enough for family gatherings or potlucks. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it easily becomes a repeat favorite.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating—your feedback helps others discover it!
And if you love sharing food inspiration, feel free to pin it on Pinterest or post your casserole on Facebook.
What variation will you try first—extra veggies, different cheese, or a spicy twist? Tell us below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even poached chicken breasts work perfectly. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers instead of Ritz and ensure the cream soup is certified gluten-free.

Can I substitute the cottage cheese?

Absolutely—use extra sour cream or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.

Why did my sauce turn grainy or split?

This usually happens when overmixing hot ingredients with dairy. Make sure everything is room temperature before combining.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes—freeze the casserole (without the cracker topping) for up to 3 months. Add the topping right before baking.

How thick should the filling be?

The mixture should be thick but spreadable—similar to a creamy chicken dip. If it seems too runny, add a bit of shredded cheese or a spoonful of flour.