Introduction

This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. It’s easy to prepare and makes a perfect family dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1 (10.75-oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup (4%) cottage cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced chives
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
31 Ritz crackers (from 1 sleeve), crushed (about 1 1/3 cups)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 11″ x 8″ baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced chives, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Fold in the cooked shredded chicken and thawed peas. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheddar cheese layer.
Step 4: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until browned and bubbling, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Step 5: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after baking. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the creamy mixture before baking.
Swap out peas for other vegetables like broccoli florets or diced carrots for a different twist.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without sacrificing taste.
If you prefer a milder topping, mix the cracker crumbs with Parmesan cheese instead of cheddar.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. The cracker topping may lose some crispness after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute with crushed buttery crackers, panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even crushed saltine crackers for a different texture and flavor.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

A comforting and creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, a savory blend of cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, and aromatic spices, topped with cheddar cheese and a buttery Ritz cracker crumb crust, baked to golden perfection for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Mixture

Cooking spray, for greasing
1 (10.75-oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
3/4 cup (4%) cottage cheese
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced chives
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
31 Ritz crackers (about 1 1/3 cups), crushed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 11″ x 8″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make the Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, sliced chives, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth and well combined.
Combine Main Ingredients: Fold the cooked shredded chicken and thawed peas into the sauce mixture. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix gently. Transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface.
Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture layer.
Prepare Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are well coated and hold together slightly when pressed.
Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the cheddar cheese layer to form a crunchy topping.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is browned on top and bubbling around the edges.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time.
Substitute frozen peas with other vegetables like corn or green beans for variety.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers.

Keywords: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, cheesy chicken casserole, comfort food, easy chicken dinner