There’s something magical about a warm, creamy casserole fresh out of the oven. It’s like a hug in food form—cozy, rich, and bursting with flavor. This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is exactly that. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and a crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping that makes every bite irresistibly good.

Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, or just something comforting to end the day with, this casserole has you covered. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it in just a few easy steps!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

Quick & Easy – You only need a handful of ingredients, and prep takes just 10 minutes!
Family-Friendly – Kids and adults alike will devour this dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble in advance and pop it in the oven when ready to bake.
Versatile – Serve it with veggies, rice, or even over pasta for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole keeps things simple with pantry-friendly ingredients:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast – Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or leftover chicken from a previous meal.
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup – Adds the creamy base for the casserole.
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt – For richness and a little tangy balance.
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed – The star of the topping, bringing that signature buttery crunch.
1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted – To coat the crackers and give them a golden finish.
2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional) – A subtle nutty flavor that complements the creamy filling.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

This recipe couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps:

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2.5–3 quart baking dish with non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2️⃣ Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until smooth and well blended. Then, fold in the shredded chicken until evenly coated.

Tip: Want to add more flavor? Mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick!

3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s level so it bakes evenly.

Now that we have our creamy chicken mixture prepped and spread in the baking dish, it’s time to move on to the real star of this casserole—the buttery Ritz cracker topping. This golden, crispy layer adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the rich and creamy chicken filling. Let’s get right into it!

4️⃣ Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping

The crispy topping is what takes this dish from good to irresistible! Here’s how to make it:

Crush the Ritz Crackers – Place the two sleeves of Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a measuring cup. You want small crumbs, but not too fine—you still want some texture!
Mix with Poppy Seeds (Optional) – If you’re using poppy seeds, stir them into the crushed crackers for a little extra flavor and texture.
Coat with Butter – In a small bowl, pour the melted butter over the crushed crackers and toss until they are evenly coated. This step ensures a beautifully crispy and buttery topping.

Tip: If you love extra crunch, add a handful of toasted slivered almonds to the topping for a nutty twist!

5️⃣ Add the Cracker Topping

Now, evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the creamy chicken filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface so every bite has a perfect balance of crunchy, buttery goodness.

6️⃣ Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Now it’s time to bake this beauty!

Place the casserole dish in the preheated 350°F oven.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges.

Tip: If you want an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes—just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the creamy filling set up a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve.

What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

This dish pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Here are some favorites:

Steamed broccoli – The fresh, slightly crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole.
Green salad – A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Rice or mashed potatoes – For an even heartier meal, serve the casserole over a bed of white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

Use rotisserie chicken – This is a huge time-saver! It’s already cooked and seasoned, making your casserole even more flavorful.
Customize the flavor – Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
Make it cheesy – Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the chicken mixture before adding the cracker topping for a cheesy twist.
Make it ahead – Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Now that you know how to make this irresistible Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole, let’s wrap things up with some frequently asked questions and final thoughts on this crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re making it for the first time or looking for ways to customize it, these tips will help ensure casserole perfection every time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

2️⃣ Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole?

Absolutely! To freeze:

Before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
After baking: Let the casserole cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.

Tip: If freezing, consider adding the Ritz cracker topping right before baking so it stays crispy!

3️⃣ Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?

Yes! While Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch, you can substitute with:

Club crackers (for a similar rich, buttery flavor)
Saltine crackers (for a slightly saltier, lighter crunch)
Panko breadcrumbs (for a crispier topping)
Crushed cornflakes (for a fun texture twist)

Tip: If using panko breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter to get that signature golden crunch!

4️⃣ What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer to avoid canned soups, you can make a quick homemade version:

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.
Stir in 3 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in 1 cup of chicken broth and ½ cup of milk.
Simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes), then use in place of the canned soup.

5️⃣ How do I make this casserole healthier?

To lighten it up without sacrificing flavor, try these swaps:

Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for more protein and less fat.
Use reduced-fat Ritz crackers or fewer crackers on top.
Replace butter with olive oil spray to cut down on calories.
Use a low-sodium or homemade version of cream of chicken soup.

6️⃣ Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Adding veggies is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor. Some great options:

Broccoli florets
Sautéed mushrooms
Peas or green beans
Diced carrots
Spinach (stirred into the creamy mixture before baking)

Tip: If adding veggies, steam or sauté them first to ensure they cook properly in the casserole!

7️⃣ Can I make this casserole with a different protein?

Yes! This recipe is super versatile, and you can swap the chicken for:

Shredded turkey – A great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Cooked ground beef – For a heartier, beefy version.
Ham cubes – Adds a slightly salty, smoky flavor.
Rotisserie chicken – The ultimate time-saver!

Final Thoughts on This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

There’s a reason this Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is a classic comfort food favorite—it’s easy, creamy, buttery, and just plain delicious. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something warm and comforting, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔ Quick & Easy – Minimal prep, ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love it.
✔ Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or make it cheesy!
✔ Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals – Great for meal prep or freezing.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

Author: David
Total Time: 35 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and pairs well with steamed broccoli or a fresh side salad.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
2 tablespoons poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2.5 – 3-quart baking dish with non-stick spray.

2️⃣ Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until well blended. Fold in the shredded chicken.

3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

4️⃣ Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the poppy seeds (if using). Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken.

5️⃣ Add Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cracker topping.

6️⃣ Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crumbs are golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly in the center.

7️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad!

Notes

✔️ Use Rotisserie Chicken to save time.
✔️ Try different crackers, like Club or Saltines, for a unique twist.
✔️ Make it cheesy! Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra richness.
✔️ Add veggies like sautéed mushrooms, peas, or chopped spinach for extra nutrition.
✔️ Make it ahead! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6

David recipes

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need