Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious dinner that comes together quickly and feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those ultimate comfort food dishes that hits all the right notes—creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. I remember the first time I tried this recipe; my family went crazy for it and now it’s a staple whenever I want something easy but impressive. Stick around, because I’m sharing all the tips that’ll help you nail this every time!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient works together to deliver that rich, creamy texture and flavorful bite that makes this casserole stand out. When you’re shopping, look for good-quality condensed cream of chicken soup and fresh green onions—they really make a difference here.

• Condensed cream of chicken soup: This adds a savory, creamy base that keeps everything moist.
• Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant, herby background flavor without any fuss.
• Sour cream: Gives the casserole extra creaminess and a slight tang that brightens the dish.
• Sliced green onion: Adds a fresh, mild bite to balance the richness.
• Cooked and shredded chicken: You can use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Crumbled Ritz crackers: These buttery crackers form the irresistible crunchy topping you’ll love.
• Salted butter, melted: Combining with the cracker crumbs creates that golden, crispy crust.

Variations

I love tweaking this Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or what my family is craving. It’s a really forgiving dish that welcomes your favorite add-ins and substitutions.

• Cheesy version: I sometimes add shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken mixture for extra gooeyness — it’s a hit every time.
• Veggie boost: Toss in some steamed broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers to sneak in some greens without losing any deliciousness.
• Spicy kick: If you’re into a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or some sliced jalapeños gives this dish a nice zesty twist.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers and you’re good to go.

How to Make Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180ºC) and lightly grease your baking dish with nonstick spray or a bit of butter. I find a 9×9 inch or similar-size dish works perfectly for this recipe. Taking care of this step upfront saves you scrambling later.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, and chopped green onions. This mix is where the magic begins — it’s rich and tangy, with just the right herb kick. I like to taste the mixture a little here so I can adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Spread It Out

Now fold in the shredded chicken until everything is evenly coated, then spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using cooked chicken from a rotisserie bird keeps things quick and gives you juicy pieces.

Step 4: Make That Crunchy Ritz Topping

Crush those Ritz crackers—two sleeves worth usually does it—and combine with the melted butter in a small bowl. This buttery crumb topping is what takes this casserole to the next level. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the cracker crust turns a beautiful golden brown and you see the casserole bubbling around the edges. I like to check mine around the 25-minute mark just to make sure the topping doesn’t burn—oven temps can vary!

How to Serve Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra chopped green onion or fresh parsley on top right after baking—it adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich casserole beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, steamed veggies like green beans, or even a light slaw. For carbs, some buttery mashed potatoes or garlic bread make the meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own personal portion, topped off with a little extra Ritz cracker crumble and a sprig of thyme. It feels charming and thoughtful, especially when you have guests over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for about 3 days. The casserole actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld together.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before baking by covering it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen—just add about 15 minutes to the cook time and watch the topping close for that perfect crunch.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to get the topping crispy again. Microwaving makes it soft, so I recommend the oven for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want comfort food without the fuss. It’s cozy, easy, and feels like a special meal to share with people you love. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a family favorite in your house too. So grab your Ritz crackers, preheat that oven, and get ready for a creamy, crunchy, utterly delicious dinner!

Print