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Ritz chicken casserole topped with buttery Ritz crackers.

How to Master That Oven Feelin Recipes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ritz chicken casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s a great solution for busy families seeking a satisfying, flavorful meal with minimal preparation. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and quickly becomes a staple in any household’s dinner rotation.

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 cups shredded chicken (boiled or rotisserie)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup full-fat sour cream
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers (or substitute with saltines, Club crackers, or Townhouse crackers)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
  • Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Optional: 1 cup caramelized onions or lemon zest for added flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

    • If using raw chicken, boil chicken breasts for 20-30 minutes until fully cooked and shred using two forks. Alternatively, use 1-2 store-bought rotisserie chickens, shredding the meat into 4-5 cups.
  2. Crush the Crackers:

    • Place Ritz crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have coarse crumbs (avoid crushing too fine).
    • Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter in the bag.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Base:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, full-fat sour cream, and shredded chicken. Mix well to coat all the chicken pieces.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optional: Add shredded cheese or caramelized onions for enhanced flavor.
  4. Assemble the Casserole:

    • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
    • Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly on top. Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the crackers.
  5. Bake the Casserole:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Bake the casserole for 20-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. For a more even bake, check the internal temperature of the casserole with a thermometer (165°F for food safety).
  6. Rest and Serve:

    • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    • For garnish, consider fresh parsley, sliced scallions, or extra buttery cracker crumbs.

Notes

  • Ingredient Substitutions: You can use cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a healthier alternative. For a lower-sodium version, use unsalted butter and salt-free soup.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1 minute.
  • Author: Eva Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free