Creamy and comforting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole made with rotisserie chicken, sour cream, scallions, and a golden buttery cracker topping.
I’ll be honest—this casserole wasn’t born out of a grand culinary inspiration. It was more like desperation meets genius. Picture this: a chaotic Tuesday night, two hungry kids (both insisting they were on the brink of starvation), and me, standing in front of the fridge, pulling random ingredients like I was on a Food Network competition. Rotisserie chicken? Check. Ritz crackers? Always. The rest was pure pantry magic.
When it came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But one bite in, and it felt like being wrapped in the coziest blanket. My husband actually paused mid-bite to give me a thumbs up. (Trust me, that’s rare.) Now, it’s the recipe I turn to when I need a dinner that makes everyone happy—and keeps the dishes to a minimum.
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Why is this Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole such a win? Let me tell you:
- Time-Saving Hero: Rotisserie chicken saves the day, every single time. No one will ever know you didn’t roast it yourself.
- Comfort Food Vibes: Creamy, crunchy, and just plain nostalgic—it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
- Ridiculously Easy: If you can crush crackers and stir a spoon, you can make this.
- Customizable to the Max: Got extra veggies or leftover cheese? Toss ‘em in and make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Potluck? Weeknight dinner? Family gathering? This dish always gets rave reviews.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient in this casserole has a job to do, and honestly, they all nail it. Here’s the lowdown:
- Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded, flavorful, and ready to go. No extra cooking = more time for you.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The backbone of creamy casseroles. You could swap in cream of mushroom or celery if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and richness. If you’re out, Greek yogurt works in a pinch, but sour cream gives it that oomph.
- Dijon Mustard: A little zippy kick to cut through all the creaminess. You won’t really taste it, but you’d miss it if it wasn’t there.
- Ritz Crackers: Is there anything they can’t do? Crushed up, they become the ultimate crunchy topping.
- Butter: Makes those crackers golden, crispy, and borderline addictive.
- Scallions: A pop of freshness to keep things from feeling too heavy. Plus, they make it look fancy, right?
Pro Tip: Crushing crackers with a rolling pin is oddly therapeutic. Toss them in a resealable bag, give them a good whack, and voilà—perfect crumbs.
How To Make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Let’s break this down, step by step, so you feel like I’m right there in the kitchen with you:
- Preheat the Oven
First things first—set that oven to 350°F. Nothing exciting here, but hey, it’s gotta be done. - Mix Up the Filling
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish (you know, the one that’s slightly chipped but still your favorite) and toss in your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, scallions, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it looks creamy and delicious. Don’t overthink it—just mix and smooth it out. - Get That Topping Ready
In a bowl, stir together your crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Make sure every crumb gets coated—it’s like buttery gold. Sprinkle it evenly over the chicken mixture. - Bake Until Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling, and the topping is golden brown. Seriously, your kitchen will smell amazing. - Garnish and Dig In
Sprinkle some scallions on top because we’re fancy like that. Then grab a plate (or a fork straight to the dish—no judgment) and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite.
Storage Options:
This casserole is the gift that keeps on giving:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to keep the topping crispy.
- In the Freezer: Wrap it tightly in foil, and it’ll last up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and it’ll taste just as good as day one.
Variations and Substitutions:
This casserole is practically begging you to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Switch Up the Protein: Leftover turkey, ham, or even shredded pork work beautifully.
- Try Different Soups: Cream of mushroom, celery, or even cheddar soup for a cheesy twist.
- Add Some Veggies: Frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or even sautéed mushrooms are great additions.
- Cheese It Up: Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even Parmesan for extra indulgence.
What to Serve with Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Wondering what to pair with your creamy, crunchy masterpiece? Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Fresh Salad: Something crisp with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots work perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs is just smart planning.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you’re going all-in on comfort food, go big or go home, right?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble everything (except the topping) and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Add the crackers and butter right before baking to keep them crunchy.
What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?
No worries! Cook and shred some chicken breasts or thighs. Even leftover grilled chicken works.
How do I keep the topping crispy when reheating?
Reheat in the oven, not the microwave. A quick broil at the end works wonders for restoring that crunch.
So, what do you think? Ready to make this cozy casserole? I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—drop me a comment or share your favorite twist on the recipe. Let’s make dinnertime magic!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 cups shredded rotisserie chicken approximately 2 whole chickens
- 2 10.5 oz cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup scallions sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1 8 oz 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
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers approximately 60 crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Combine the Filling
- In a large 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of chicken soup, scallions, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed, and smooth into an even layer.
Prepare the Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated to form a cohesive topping.
Assemble the Casserole
- Evenly sprinkle the cracker mixture over the chicken filling in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage for a crispy, golden topping.
Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the topping has turned a golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with additional sliced scallions before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Replace the Ritz crackers with gluten-free buttery crackers.
- Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup (widely available in specialty or health food stores).
- Double-check the chicken broth to ensure it is labeled gluten-free.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
