Name: Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom); 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt); 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional); 1 cup small broccoli florets, peas, or corn (optional)

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This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is the cozy, no-fuss bake I reach for when I want classic comfort with minimal effort. Tender shredded chicken gets enveloped in a velvety, tangy-creamy sauce and crowned with buttery, golden Ritz crumbs that crackle with every bite. It’s simple, satisfying, and exactly the kind of dinner that makes me breathe out and settle in.

Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how pantry staples turn into something that tastes like a warm hug. I stir everything together in minutes, slide the dish into the oven, and let that cracker topping turn irresistibly crisp while the creamy filling bubbles underneath. I can scale it up for company, swap in leftover chicken or turkey, and customize the add-ins based on what I have. It’s weeknight-easy and potluck-perfect.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked shredded chicken
cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
Ritz crackers, crushed
unsalted butter, melted
salt and black pepper
optional: poppy seeds
optional add-ins: small broccoli florets, peas, or corn

directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2.5–3 quart baking dish.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the cream soup and sour cream until smooth; I season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
I fold in the shredded chicken (and any veggies I’m using) until everything is evenly coated.
I spread the mixture into the prepared dish.
In a separate bowl, I combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter (and poppy seeds if I want them), then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top.
I bake for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets up just a bit.

Servings and timing

I plan on this casserole serving 4 people. Prep takes about 5 minutes, bake time runs 25–30 minutes, and total time lands around 35 minutes.

Variations

I change this up all the time. I swap in leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken when I need a shortcut. I add a cup or so of small broccoli florets or peas for color and freshness. When I want it extra hearty, I fold in cooked rice or egg noodles and loosen the filling with a splash of milk. For a flavor twist, I stir in a little garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave until hot, or I cover the dish with foil and reheat at 325°F until warmed through. If the filling looks a little tight, I stir in a spoonful of milk or chicken broth to bring back the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day. When I’m ready to bake, I add 5–10 extra minutes since it starts cold.

Can I freeze it?

I’ve had good results freezing it unbaked. I wrap it well, freeze, then thaw overnight and bake as directed. If it’s already baked, I reheat from thawed, covered, until hot.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

I use plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. I’ve also mixed in a splash of milk to adjust the texture if needed.

How do I keep the topping crisp for leftovers?

I re-crisp by reheating in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave, or I save a little cracker mixture to sprinkle on and toast during reheating.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely—I often fold in a cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack with the chicken for extra richness.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Ritz Casserole is my low-effort path to maximum comfort: creamy, crunchy, and totally crowd-pleasing. I love that it adapts to whatever I have on hand and always bakes up into something warm, golden, and deeply satisfying.