Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. After making this many times, I discovered the trick to a perfectly crispy topping. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Pecan Crunch Glazed Bites and Savory Garlic Pork Bites.
Why This Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy Ritz cracker topping
- Creamy, savory chicken and veggie filling
- Easy, one-pan cooking
- Better than takeout taste and texture
What You'll Need for Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Ritz crackers
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Optional: Parsley
- Optional: Chives
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs or a mix of both.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food processor — Ensures even cracker crumbs for a perfect topping. → See on Amazon
- Baking dish — A 9×13-inch dish ensures even cooking and a perfect casserole shape. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine chicken, soup, milk, and seasonings. Stir in frozen veggies.
- Step 3: Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 4: Crush Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the chicken mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
- Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Common mistake and fix: To prevent a soggy topping, make sure your chicken is fully cooked before adding the crackers and cheese. If the topping is still not crispy enough, broil it for 2-3 minutes after removing the casserole from the oven.
- Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, sauté your chicken with some diced onions and garlic before adding it to the casserole.
- Pro tip: To make this casserole ahead, prepare it up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Freezing Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Topping may not be as crispy.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed cornflakes or Panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Make-ahead: See 'Storage' section for make-ahead instructions.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your topping is still not crispy, try broiling it for 2-3 minutes after removing the casserole from the oven.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures your chicken is cooked to a safe temperature, preventing undercooked meat and a soggy topping. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Ritz crackers
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Optional Toppings
- Parsley
- Chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine chicken, soup, milk, and seasonings. Stir in frozen veggies.
- Step 3: Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 4: Crush Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the chicken mixture. Top with shredded cheese.
- Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
- Best substitution: Substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed cornflakes or Panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Make-ahead: See 'Storage' section for make-ahead instructions.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your topping is still not crispy, try broiling it for 2-3 minutes after removing the casserole from the oven.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Topping may not be as crispy.
- Make ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 8g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole FAQs
Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to bake. See 'Storage' section for more details.
To prevent a soggy topping, make sure your chicken is fully cooked before adding the crackers and cheese. If the topping is still not crispy enough, broil it for 2-3 minutes after removing the casserole from the oven.
Yes, Ritz crackers make a delicious, golden, crispy topping for chicken casserole. They add a nice crunch and complement the creamy chicken filling.
Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. See 'Storage' section for more details.
This casserole pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli, a green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy 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!
