Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the best comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to a crispy topping is using crushed Ritz crackers. Jump to Recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks and Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars.
Why This Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy Ritz topping
- Creamy chicken filling
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Better than takeout
What You'll Need for Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Chicken breasts
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Ritz crackers
- Onion soup mix
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: Parsley for garnish
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Crushes Ritz crackers evenly and quickly. → See on Amazon
- Baking dish — Even heat distribution for perfect casserole. → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cook chicken breasts until no longer pink. Dice and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add diced chicken and mix well.
- Step 4: Transfer chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until topping is golden and crispy.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the chicken. It can become dry. Cook just until no longer pink.
- Pro tip: For a crisper topping, mix melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers before topping the casserole.
Storing & Reheating Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Freezing Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute cream of chicken soup with a mixture of milk, flour, and chicken broth for a homemade version.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the topping isn't crispy, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Want to level up this recipe?
Meat thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature, preventing foodborne illness. → Check price on Amazon
Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Ritz crackers
Seasonings
- Onion soup mix
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cook chicken breasts until no longer pink. Dice and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add diced chicken and mix well.
- Step 4: Transfer chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until topping is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute cream of chicken soup with a mixture of milk, flour, and chicken broth for a homemade version.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If the topping isn't crispy, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole FAQs
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Overcooking the chicken can cause the casserole to become dry. Cook just until no longer pink.
Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
No, this recipe is best made in the oven. The air fryer may not cook the chicken evenly or crisp the topping.
Yes, this homemade version is creamier, crispier, and healthier than takeout. Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes!
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
