Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust that’s packed with flavor and crunch. I use the same method as my popular Neiman Marcus chicken casserole, and this version is just as easy. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that’s ready in under an hour.

Why I Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

This Ritz cracker chicken casserole is pure comfort food—the kind that tastes like home. I actually found the original version of this recipe tucked inside my mom’s old cookbook, scribbled on a stained index card next to her pot roast recipe notes. One bite, and it took me right back to when I was a kid having family dinner.

The creamy chicken filling is packed with flavor from sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and Italian seasoning, and it’s all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust that bakes up perfectly golden and crisp. It’s rich, easy to make, and honestly one of the most satisfying casseroles I’ve ever had.

This creamy chicken casserole is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, yet it's impressive enough to serve when hosting guests. I recommend serving it with this Jiffy jalapeno cornbread or garlic bread, and you'll have one unforgettable meal everyone is sure to love!

Ingredients

Another reason to love this Ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe is it's made with really basic ingredients, and those ingredients are:

• 1 ½ cup condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup sliced green onion
• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup crumbled Ritz crackers
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

You can use a lot of these same ingredients to make this crack chicken casserole and million dollar chicken casserole. They're two more of the best chicken casserole recipes with Ritz crackers, so you'll want to try them next!

Oh, and if you're looking for something a little different, you can use some of the ingredients to make this cheesy tater tot casserole.

How To Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Work

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC) and grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Casserole Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, and green onions. Stir until everything fully combines. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce mixture and mix well. Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out.

Step 3: Make the Ritz Cracker Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, combine the two sleeves of crushed crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are fully coated in the butter, then sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly on top of the casserole.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Place the casserole in the oven and bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

• Use rotisserie or canned chicken for convenience: Rotisserie chicken adds rich flavor and saves time, while canned chicken makes this recipe even faster to prep—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Make it heartier with cooked pasta, rice, or potatoes: Stir in pre-cooked elbow macaroni, white rice, or diced baby potatoes to turn this into a complete one-dish meal with extra substance.
• Swap the soup to change the flavor profile: Use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups. Each swap gives the casserole a unique twist while keeping it creamy and comforting.
• Add vegetables for flavor, color, and nutrition: Mix in cooked or steamed veggies like broccoli florets, green beans, or bell pepper strips. For a quick shortcut, stir in a bag of thawed frozen mixed vegetables—no extra prep needed.
• Top it with shredded cheese for melty, cheesy goodness: Sharp cheddar is a favorite, but Colby Jack or mozzarella also melt beautifully and add flavor depth. Sprinkle over the filling before adding the Ritz topping.
• Garnish with fresh herbs to brighten the dish: Add chopped parsley or green onions just before serving to bring color, freshness, and a little zip that cuts through the richness of the casserole.

FAQS About This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

How do I store Ritz chicken casserole?

Yes. Put a lid on the baking dish or transfer the leftover chicken casserole to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely. Allow the leftover casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for about 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for best texture.

What can I serve with this casserole?

I suggest choosing lighter sides like these to balance the richness of the casserole: house salad, crack green beans, or honey glazed carrots. 

Can I use a different condensed soup besides cream of chicken?

Yes. If you don't want to use cream of chicken soup, you can use any creamy condensed soup like cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar cheese soup, or cream of celery soup.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Storebought rotisserie chicken is one of the best shortcuts for this casserole. It adds great flavor and saves time on prep, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

How many calories are in Ritz chicken casserole?

There are about 614 calories in one serving of this Ritz chicken casserole, which is around one cup. This can vary depending on the ingredients that are used in the recipe

More Casserole Recipes

• Cheesy chicken and rice casserole
• Meatball sub casserole
• Amish country casserole
• Sausage and rice casserole
• French fry casserole
• Pulled pork casserole