There’s something so satisfying about a warm, creamy casserole fresh from the oven, and this Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is exactly that kind of dish. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a comforting dish for a potluck, or just a way to use up leftover chicken, this recipe is a winner.

This casserole checks all the boxes: creamy, crunchy, buttery, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender shredded chicken, rich and creamy sauce, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping makes it a crowd favorite. Serve it with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete meal.

Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS CASSEROLE

Easy to Make: Only a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
Rich and Creamy: A satisfying comfort food with a velvety texture.

Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love it!
Perfect for Leftovers: Great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (Rotisserie chicken works great too!)
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup (Your choice!)
1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (Greek yogurt makes it a bit healthier.)

2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (For that signature buttery crunch.)
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted (To mix with the crackers.)
2 tbsp poppy seeds (optional) (Adds a little extra texture and flavor.)

Substitutions and Variations

Want a different flavor? Use cream of celery or cream of cheddar soup instead.
Looking for a crunchier topping? Try adding French fried onions or panko breadcrumbs along with the crackers.
Prefer a little extra protein? Mix in cooked bacon or chopped ham for a meatier bite.

Make it cheesy! Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken mixture.

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CHICKEN RITZ CASSEROLE

STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2.5 – 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

STEP 2: MAKE THE CREAMY CHICKEN MIXTURE

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom) with sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Next, fold in the shredded chicken, making sure it is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. This step ensures every bite is packed with rich, savory flavor.

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE CASSEROLE

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula to create an even layer.

STEP 4: PREPARE THE RITZ CRACKER TOPPING

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are fully coated in butter. If you’re using poppy seeds, mix them in at this stage for extra texture.

STEP 5: ADD THE CRUNCHY TOPPING

Evenly spread the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken layer. Try to cover as much of the surface as possible for that delicious golden-brown topping.

Now that your Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is fully assembled, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection. This part of the recipe is where everything comes together—creating a creamy, bubbly filling with that irresistibly crispy, buttery cracker topping.

STEP 6: BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION

Place the casserole dish into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for these signs that it’s ready:

The top is golden brown and crispy.
The edges are bubbling, meaning the filling is hot and creamy.
You can smell the buttery, savory aroma filling your kitchen.

If you prefer an extra-crispy topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

STEP 7: LET IT REST AND SERVE

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting time helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to serve.

For serving, use a large spoon to scoop out generous portions onto plates. This dish is best enjoyed warm, with all its creamy, crunchy goodness intact.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CREAMY CHICKEN RITZ CASSEROLE

This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can make it an even more balanced meal. Here are some great options:

Vegetable Side Dishes

Steamed broccoli or green beans – A fresh, light contrast to the rich casserole.

Roasted carrots – Adds a hint of natural sweetness.
A simple garden salad – Tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the flavors.

Starchy Sides

Garlic mashed potatoes – Because more comfort food is always a good idea.

Rice or quinoa – A neutral base that soaks up the creamy sauce.
Dinner rolls or cornbread – Perfect for scooping up every last bite.

MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE TIPS

One of the best things about this casserole is how easy it is to prepare in advance. Whether you want to meal prep for a busy weeknight or bring it to a potluck, here’s how to make it ahead:

Make-Ahead Instructions

Assemble the casserole as instructed but don’t bake it yet.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.
Bake as directed, adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time if it’s still slightly cold.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because this casserole is so delicious), here’s the best way to store them:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat

Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
To keep the topping crispy, reheat uncovered for the last few minutes.

TIPS FOR THE BEST CREAMY CHICKEN RITZ CASSEROLE

To make sure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience

If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. It adds extra flavor and eliminates the need for cooking and shredding chicken yourself.

2. Get the Right Texture for the Topping

To make sure your topping is perfectly crispy, spread the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. If you like it extra crunchy, try adding ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese to the topping.

3. Customize It to Your Taste

Add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for an extra cheesy version.

Mix in chopped mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.
For a little heat, stir in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving helps everything hold together better when scooping it out.

Now that you have all the steps and tips for making the best Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions. These common concerns will help ensure that your casserole turns out perfectly every time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. CAN I MAKE THIS CASSEROLE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed. If it’s still cold, add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.

2. CAN I FREEZE THIS CASSEROLE?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Here’s how:

Assemble the casserole but do not bake it.
Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Label it with the date and freeze.

When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as instructed.

3. WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF RITZ CRACKERS?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use:

Club crackers – They have a similar buttery taste.

Panko breadcrumbs – For a crispier topping.
Crushed cornflakes – Adds a slightly different crunch but works well.

4. CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CHICKEN?

Yes! While shredded chicken breast is the most common choice, you can also use:

Rotisserie chicken – Saves time and adds extra flavor.
Leftover turkey – A great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Canned chicken – A convenient option, just be sure to drain it well.

5. CAN I MAKE THIS WITHOUT CREAM SOUP?

If you prefer a homemade alternative to canned soup, try this:

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute.

Slowly add 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of chicken broth.
Stir constantly until thickened, then use in place of canned soup.

6. HOW CAN I MAKE THIS CASSEROLE HEALTHIER?

To lighten up the casserole while keeping it creamy and delicious:

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Use light butter or reduce the butter in the topping.
Try whole wheat crackers or almond flour crackers for a healthier crunch.

Add chopped vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to increase the nutritional value.

7. WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH THIS CASSEROLE?

This casserole is rich and creamy, so it pairs well with lighter sides:

Steamed broccoli or green beans – A fresh contrast to the rich filling.

Roasted carrots – Adds natural sweetness.
Garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette – Helps balance out the richness.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON CREAMY CHICKEN RITZ CASSEROLE

This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and always a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers every time.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Simple ingredients – No fancy ingredients required.
Easy to prepare – Minimal prep time and quick to assemble.
Versatile – Great for meal prep, make-ahead meals, or freezing.

Family-friendly – Even picky eaters will love it.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. The creamy, savory filling combined with the buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping creates a delicious balance of textures and flavors. Serve it with steamed broccoli or a side salad for a complete meal!

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
10.75 oz can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted

2 tbsp poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 2.5 – 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

2️⃣ Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken (or mushroom) soup with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) until well combined. Gently fold in the shredded chicken until fully coated.

3️⃣ Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

4️⃣ Make the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. If using, stir in the poppy seeds for extra texture and flavor.

5️⃣ Top the casserole: Evenly spread the buttery cracker topping over the chicken mixture.

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

7️⃣ Serve & enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Notes

Protein options: You can substitute rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even canned chicken for convenience.

Soup variation: Cream of celery or cream of cheddar soup works well for a different flavor twist.
Crunchier topping: If you prefer an extra crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6