Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Q: Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes. Halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8x8-inch dish. It’s perfect for a smaller family or for when you want to tuck away a second dish in the freezer for another day. "Mama Lou always said recipes were just blueprints — you’re the one who turns them into homes."

Q: Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes. Halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8x8-inch dish. It’s perfect for a smaller family or for when you want to tuck away a second dish in the freezer for another day.

Chef Sofia

Bringing Flavor to Your Feed

April 29, 2025

Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with golden topping and scallion garnish

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When I close my eyes and think of home, the smell of Mama Lou’s kitchen comes rushing back like a sweet song on the breeze. Sunday afternoons were sacred in our family. After church, we would gather in her sunlit kitchen where pots bubbled, ovens warmed the air, and the world outside seemed to slow down. One dish that always made its way to the center of the table, glistening under a golden crust, was her Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.

I remember standing on a wooden stool next to my little sister Ouma, both of us wearing aprons that dragged along the floor. We were in charge of one important task — crushing the buttery Ritz crackers with rolling pins. We’d giggle as crumbs flew everywhere, Mama Lou smiling as she tried to keep us focused. It wasn’t just about making food; it was about making memories, weaving threads that stitched our family together.

“Some recipes are more than meals; they’re time machines, carrying you home with every bite.”

Ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Before we dive into the simple steps, here’s everything you’ll need for this soul-warming dish.

Ingredient	Quantity
Shredded rotisserie chicken	8 cups packed (from 2 whole rotisserie chickens)
Cream of chicken soup	2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans
Sliced scallions	1 cup (plus more for garnish)
Sour cream	1 (8 ounce) container
Chicken broth	1/2 cup
Dijon mustard	1 tablespoon
Garlic powder	1 1/2 teaspoons
Onion powder	1 1/2 teaspoons
Freshly ground black pepper	1 1/2 teaspoons
Kosher salt	1 1/2 teaspoons
Buttery round crackers (such as Ritz)	2 sleeves, crushed (about 60 crackers)
Unsalted butter, melted	1/2 cup

Fresh ingredients for Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole displayed on a wooden surface — Blending comfort and tradition—step by step

Steps to Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Making this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole feels like a warm hug from the past. Here’s how you can bring it to life in your own kitchen:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sliced scallions, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Stir everything until it’s well blended and creamy.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are coated and glistening.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs generously over the chicken mixture, creating a thick, even layer.
Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Garnish with extra sliced scallions before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

“I remember peeking through the oven door with Ouma, our noses almost pressed to the glass, watching the cracker topping turn the perfect shade of gold.”

Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Use fresh rotisserie chicken: It saves time and brings extra flavor from the seasoning on the skin.
Don’t skip the Dijon mustard: It adds a little background zing that makes the whole dish come alive without overpowering it.
Crush crackers by hand: Leave some larger pieces for extra crunch—Mama Lou always said, “Perfectly imperfect is the way to a happy table.”
Let it rest: Give the casserole 5-10 minutes to settle after baking before scooping it out. It thickens slightly and holds together better.

Serving Suggestions

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with its rich, creamy flavor. Mama Lou often served it with buttery green beans and a crisp side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette.

Here are a few more ideas:

Steamed broccoli tossed with lemon juice
Honey-glazed carrots
Mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal
Fresh-baked dinner rolls

Mixing the creamy chicken filling for the casserole in a large bowl — Blending comfort and tradition—step by step

Perfect Drink Pairings

Back when I was little, Sunday dinner wasn’t complete without sweet tea poured over ice, condensation dripping down tall glasses. As an adult, I sometimes like to serve a crisp Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir alongside this casserole for a more grown-up gathering.

If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, try:

Homemade lemonade
Apple cider
Cucumber mint water

“Every sip, every bite—it all tasted sweeter with laughter filling the room and Mama Lou’s stories dancing in the air.”

Restaurant-Style Presentation

If you want your cheesy Ritz cracker chicken casserole to feel a little more special for guests, here’s a little secret I picked up from Ouma when she worked at a tiny bistro downtown:

Scoop the casserole neatly with a large spoon and plate it over a small mound of rice or quinoa.
Sprinkle microgreens or finely chopped herbs on top for a pop of green.
Serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one generous serving (recipe yields about 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	32g
Fat	36g
Carbohydrates	18g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	960mg

Storage and Reheating Tips

One thing Mama Lou always taught us was to never let good food go to waste. She believed that leftovers were just another opportunity to gather around the table again, share more stories, and sneak one more bite of comfort. This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole keeps beautifully, making it perfect for busy weekdays or cozy nights in.

Here’s how to store and reheat it the right way:

Storage: After the casserole cools to room temperature, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Assemble the casserole (but hold off on the cracker topping), wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can also be microwaved for 2-3 minutes, though the cracker topping might soften a bit.

“There were so many nights when Ouma and I, bundled in fuzzy socks, would sneak back into the kitchen for just one more spoonful of leftover casserole.”

Variations to Try

As much as I cherish the classic version, sometimes Mama Lou would give her casserole little twists depending on what was fresh at the market or what needed to be used up in the fridge. Here are some delicious variations you might want to try:

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with Rice: Stir 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice into the chicken mixture before baking. It makes the dish even heartier and stretches it to feed a few more hungry mouths.
Chicken Broccoli and Ritz Cracker Casserole: Add 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets to the chicken mixture for a pop of green and a little extra nutrition. Mama Lou loved the way the broccoli tucked into the creamy sauce.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with Vegetables: Mix in 1 1/2 cups of cooked mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn. It’s a colorful way to make the dish even more wholesome.
Cheesy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: Fold 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture for a rich, cheesy flavor that melts into every bite.

Part of the magic is making it your own, just like Mama Lou always encouraged us to do.

FAQs About Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Yes! You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer. I sometimes mix cream of chicken and cream of mushroom for a deeper, richer flavor that reminds me of Mama Lou’s holiday casseroles.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole (without adding the cracker topping) up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then top with crackers and bake when ready. It makes dinner prep a breeze, especially when family is visiting.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

While Ritz crackers are the traditional favorite for this recipe, you can substitute other buttery round crackers or even crushed potato chips for a slightly different but still delicious crunch.

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes. Halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. It’s perfect for a smaller family or for when you want to tuck away a second dish in the freezer for another day.
“Mama Lou always said recipes were just blueprints — you’re the one who turns them into homes.”

Can I make a smaller batch?

Yes. Halve all the ingredients and bake in an 8×8-inch dish. It’s perfect for a smaller family or for when you want to tuck away a second dish in the freezer for another day.

If you’re a fan of cozy meals like this one, you might also enjoy browsing more of our comforting chicken casserole recipes here.

Closing Reflection: More Than Just a Casserole

Whenever I spoon into a serving of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, it feels like opening a window to the past. I hear the old screen door creaking, smell the sweet tang of summer rain outside, and see Mama Lou’s hands — always busy, always full of love — folding me into a hug as we stood side by side in the kitchen.

Now, when I make this dish for my own family, I invite those same traditions back into the room. I see Ouma laughing with her kids, hear the clink of forks against plates, feel the quiet magic of a family simply being together. It’s why I never rush through this recipe. It’s why I still let my little ones crush the crackers by hand, mess and all, just like we did all those years ago.

“A casserole can feed more than a stomach — it feeds a soul, mends a broken day, and fills a home with warmth that lingers long after the last bite is gone.”

So the next time you find yourself needing a little comfort, a little home, and a little piece of tradition, I hope you’ll try this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll bring a little piece of Mama Lou’s love to your table too.