Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: A Comforting, Budget-Friendly Classic
When you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please the whole family, this Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the answer. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust, and baked to golden perfection. The combination of savory Parmesan, tangy sour cream, and that irresistible cracker crunch makes every bite pure bliss. Ready in under an hour, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this ideal for beginners and busy cooks.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable staples like chicken, Ritz crackers, and pantry basics.
- Family Favorite: The creamy, crunchy combo appeals to kids and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble in advance for stress-free meals.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with add-ins or ingredient swaps.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting casserole:
For the Casserole:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 sleeve (about 30–35) Ritz crackers, finely crushed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated or pre-grated)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or light)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or spoon
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a casserole that’s creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying:
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter to prevent sticking. This ensures easy serving and cleanup. - Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are similar in thickness. - Make the Cracker Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. This buttery, cheesy topping is what gives the casserole its signature crunch! - Add the Creamy Layer
Spoon the sour cream over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover each piece. This adds a tangy, creamy base that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. - Pour the Soup Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the sour cream-covered chicken, ensuring it seeps into the edges of the dish. This creates a rich, savory sauce that ties everything together. - Top with Cracker Mixture
Sprinkle the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, covering the chicken and sauce completely. Press lightly to ensure it adheres, but don’t pack it down too tightly—you want that crispy texture. - Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting buttery, savory aroma! - Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over each portion for maximum flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450–500 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands or portion sizes. For precise calculations, use a nutrition app with your specific ingredients.
Tips for Success
- Crushing Crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin for quick, mess-free prep. Aim for fine crumbs with some small chunks for texture.
- Chicken Thickness: If chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even 1-inch thickness or slice horizontally for faster, more even cooking.
- Creamy Sauce: For a thinner sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, reduce the broth to 1/4 cup.
- Cheese Swap: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but pre-grated works fine. Avoid powdery Parmesan, as it can be too salty.
- Resting Time: Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the sauce set and makes slicing cleaner.
Variations to Try
- Veggie Add-Ins: Stir 1 cup of cooked broccoli, green beans, or peas into the soup mixture for added nutrition and color.
- Cheese Boost: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the cracker topping for extra cheesiness.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup mixture for a subtle heat.
- Low-Fat Option: Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, and cut the butter to 1/4 cup for a lighter dish.
- Gluten-Free: Swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a hearty main dish, but here are some ideas to complete the meal:
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Pair with a glass of crisp white wine, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon.
- Offer dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes (note: the topping may soften).
- Freezer: Assemble the casserole (without baking) in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time. Baked leftovers can also be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheating Tip: To revive the crispy topping, reheat in the oven or an air fryer rather than the microwave.
Budget-Friendly Breakdown
This recipe is wallet-friendly, with chicken breasts costing ~$5–$6 for 1.5–2 lbs, a sleeve of Ritz crackers at ~$1 (from a $3 box), and pantry staples like sour cream, Parmesan, and cream of chicken soup adding ~$4–$5. Total cost is ~$10–$12 for 6 servings, or about $1.67–$2 per serving. Buy chicken in bulk or opt for store-brand ingredients to save even more!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F/74°C.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Substitute with crushed saltines, butter crackers, or panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 Tbsp extra butter for similar crunch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding 5 minutes if starting cold.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free sour cream, a dairy-free cream of chicken soup alternative, and swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Replace butter with a plant-based alternative.
A Comfort Food Classic
This Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—rich, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, bringing a dish to a potluck, or craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The buttery, crispy topping and creamy, savory filling will have everyone asking for seconds. So preheat your oven, grab those Ritz crackers, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug!
Tried this recipe? Share your favorite casserole add-ins or side dishes in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
