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 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."

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.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Main Casserole

8 cups packed shredded rotisserie chicken (from 2 whole rotisserie chickens)
2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sliced scallions, plus more for garnish
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Topping

2 sleeves buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 60 crackers)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, scallions, broth, mustard, and seasonings. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in your baking dish, pressing it down gently with a spatula.
Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until evenly coated.
Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery crackers over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra scallions and enjoy!

Notes

Use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and tenderness.
For added veggies, stir in steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables.
You can prep the casserole in advance and refrigerate (without topping) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Great for freezing: assemble without the cracker topping, wrap tightly, freeze, then thaw and bake when needed.

Author: Chef Sofia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 960mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg