If you grew up in the '80s or '90s, chances are you had some kind of casserole topped with buttery Ritz crackers. This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is pure retro comfort food! Creamy chicken filling gets topped with a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping that turns golden brown in the oven. It’s simple, satisfying, and just the kind of casserole recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
Cracker-Topped Chicken Casserole
This Ritz Crackers Chicken Casserole is so delicious, with just the right touch of retro charm, made with tender chicken, creamy filling, and a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping.
While it has that nostalgic vibe, it’s just as perfect today for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you want a cozy, no-fuss dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Retro comfort food – Ritz Chicken Casserole is a true blast from the past, full of cozy flavors.
- Simple ingredients – nothing fancy, just pantry staples and cooked chicken.
- Versatile – great with leftover rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even ham.
- Perfect for family dinners or potlucks – easy to transport and reheat.
Another great chicken casserole to try is my Chicken Alfredo Casserole
This Ritzy chicken casserole recipe is easy to love because it’s so flexible, you can make it with rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even raw chicken if you bake it longer.
The creamy, savory filling paired with the buttery cracker crunch is what makes Ritz Chicken Casserole recipe a classic.
Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This Ritz Chicken Bake uses simple pantry staples for convenience and flavor.
Exact measurements are located in the recipe card below.
Filling
- Sour Cream
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Italian Dressing Mix Packet
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Green Onions
- Cooked Chicken – Rotisserie, or use leftover Thanksgiving turkey
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Topping
- Ritz Crackers
- Butter
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
How to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Prep the Dish – Heat the oven to 350°F and grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish.
- Make the Filling – Stir together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and seasonings.
- Add green onions and chicken.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese. Spread into the casserole dish.
- Make the Topping – Crush Ritz crackers into rough crumbs. Mix with melted butter and a little cheddar.
- Assemble – Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake – Bake 25–30 minutes, until bubbly with a golden topping. If using raw chicken, bake 30–40 minutes.
- Optional – Broil for a few extra minutes to crisp up the top.
What to Serve With Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
This creamy casserole pairs well with fresh, crisp sides to balance the richness. Try serving it with:
- A cucumber salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Steamed broccoli or Broccoli Grape Salad
- Easy Coleslaw Recipe or Slow Cooker Corn on the Cob
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
If you make this Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers topping, please leave a comment with a star rating below. I'd love to know how you liked it!
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 10.75-ounce can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 0.7-ounce packet Italian Dressing Mix
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 3 Green Onions (½ cup, chopped)
- 3 cups Cooked Chicken (1 ½ pounds)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese divided
Topping
- 1 ½ sleeves Ritz Crackers crushed
- 6 Tablespoons Butter melted
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (about ¼ cup)
Instructions
Prep
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray or grease a 2.5-quart casserole dish.
Make the Filling
- To a mixing bowl, add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing packet, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian Seasoning. Mix together.
- Add the chopped green onions and the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Mix in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese, if using, saving ¼ cup for the topping.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepare casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
Make the Topping
- Crush the Ritz crackers into rough crumbs, leaving some larger pieces for texture. Add them to the same mixing bowl, along with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, if using. Mix together.
- Pour in the melted butter and stir well to coat the cracker crumbs and cheese.
Top the Casserole
- Pour the butter cracker topping evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. The topping should be lightly browned, and the filling bubbling. If using raw diced chicken, cook about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Broil (optional)
- If you want the topping to be even more crisp, you can turn on the broiler and give it about 3 to 5 minutes (but watch it carefully so it doesn’t get too browned or burnt).
Serve
- Serve with a crisp green salad, or other vegetable side dish, as desired.
Notes
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole FAQs
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Yes. Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Then, thaw overnight in the fridge, remove for 30 minutes, and bake as directed.
You can substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz crackers, and check that the soup and dressing mix are also gluten-free.
Yes, first dice it, then bake the casserole 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the filling is bubbling.
Absolutely! Shred the turkey and use it in place of chicken for a delicious twist.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!