Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole was one of the very first recipes I relied on when I began eating more intentionally. This dish reminded me of Sunday dinners growing up—warm, simple, and made with love. After my health journey began, I adapted it to be more nourishing while still keeping the creamy, buttery goodness everyone craves.
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole recipe is everything you want in a feel-good family meal: crunchy topping, tender chicken, and a rich, flavorful base. It’s low-carb adaptable and perfect for weeknights or prepping ahead. Trust me—this one’s a keeper.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Feels Like Home
A recipe rooted in comfort and healing
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole has always been more than a recipe to me—it’s a reminder of home. I grew up eating this creamy, savory dish on cold nights when my mom needed something quick, hearty, and crowd-pleasing. After starting my low-carb lifestyle, I knew I had to bring this classic back in a way that worked for my body—and my family’s taste buds.
During a time when I was healing from inflammation and fatigue, I leaned on easy recipes that didn’t sacrifice flavor. This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole checked every box. It uses a handful of simple ingredients, bakes quickly, and delivers that nostalgic crunch from the buttery cracker topping.
For similar cozy meals, I love rotating in Carnivore Chicken Fries or one of my easy Carnivore Diet Chicken Recipes.
Simple, creamy, and perfect every time
This dish is known for its creamy texture, tender shredded chicken, and golden Ritz cracker topping. But what sets it apart is how easily you can customize it. Whether you use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted breasts, it always turns out delicious. The topping is just crushed crackers and melted butter—but you can easily swap in crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb twist.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole also freezes beautifully. I often make two smaller pans—one for dinner, one to store. It’s just the kind of flexible, flavorful dish that brings people to the table with zero stress.
Want more low-fuss meals like this? My Carnivore Diet Meal Plan and Meal Prep Recipes are full of freezer-friendly ideas.
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Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, crunchy, and comforting Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and green onions.
3. Fold in shredded chicken until well mixed.
4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
6. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top.
7. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Try adding 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
Use almond flour crackers or pork rinds for a low-carb topping option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 409
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 714mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 123mg
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Ingredients & Prep Tips
Use pantry staples to build bold flavor
The best part about Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is how simple the ingredients are—yet the flavor feels like you spent hours in the kitchen. Each one brings creaminess, crunch, or comfort, and most are already in your fridge or pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Shredded Chicken | Rotisserie, baked, or canned all work—just be sure it’s well-seasoned. |
| Sour Cream | Plain Greek yogurt is a great protein-packed alternative. |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | Use a low-sodium version or sub with cream of mushroom for variety. |
| Green Onion | Optional—but it adds a bright, fresh bite. |
| Ritz Crackers | Try almond flour crackers or pork rind crumbs for low-carb versions. |
| Butter | Melted and mixed with the topping for perfect crispiness. |
For more adaptable low-carb comfort food, browse my full Carnivore Diet Recipes or try this crusty, guilt-free Carnivore Pizza Crust that pairs beautifully with casseroles.
Pro prep tips for perfect casserole every time
- Don’t skip seasoning. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, or poultry seasoning to the cream mixture to deepen the flavor.
- Mix in extras. Frozen peas, cooked mushrooms, or even chopped spinach blend well without overpowering the texture.
- Want more texture? Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese into the filling—cheddar or Monterey Jack work best.
- Use a wide dish. A 9×13″ pan gives you more surface area for that golden Ritz topping to crisp up beautifully.
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole takes just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking. It’s the ultimate blend of creamy and crunchy—and it reheats like a dream.
Creative Ways to Customize Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Make it your own with smart ingredient swaps
What makes Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole so timeless is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the flavor, texture, and nutrition based on what you have on hand—or who you’re feeding.
Here are a few tried-and-true variations:
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream and condensed soup alternative made with cashew milk or almond milk.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli, riced cauliflower, or chopped spinach right into the filling before baking.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a melty middle that balances the crisp topping.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme, chives, or rosemary to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
Craving more variety like this? My Carnivore Breakfast Pizza and Carnivore Ground Beef Recipes also offer easy ways to switch things up.
Store, freeze, and reheat like a pro
Leftovers? You’re in luck. Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:
- To refrigerate: Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- To freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking as usual.
- To freeze after baking: Let it cool completely first. Portion into smaller containers or wrap the dish. Reheat uncovered at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
- For best texture: Reheat in the oven rather than microwave so the cracker topping stays crispy.
Want more batch-friendly meals? Try my Carnivore Diet Desserts for make-ahead treats that pair well after a comforting main like this.
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that never disappoints. With its creamy filling, golden buttery topping, and simple prep, it delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It’s nourishing, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for meal prep, freezer cooking, or feeding a hungry family fast.
Once you try this version, you’ll come back to it again and again. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, one thing’s certain: comfort is always on the table when you make Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole.
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FAQs
Can you prepare a chicken casserole the night before?
Yes, you can absolutely prep Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole the night before. Just assemble the dish, cover it well, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can you freeze Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole?
Definitely. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before, wrap it tightly and label it with the date. If freezing leftovers, make sure it’s cooled completely and stored in an airtight container. It reheats beautifully.
How to top a casserole with Ritz crackers?
Crush Ritz crackers roughly and mix them with melted butter. This creates a golden, crunchy topping that locks in moisture and adds texture. Spread it evenly over the filling just before baking for that signature crisp.
Can you add sour cream to chicken casserole?
Yes, sour cream is key to this recipe. It adds creaminess and balances the richness of the soup. If you’re dairy-sensitive, plain Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative can work too.
Is it better to freeze a chicken casserole before or after cooking?
Freezing before cooking is generally better, as it helps maintain the texture—especially the cracker topping. But both options work, so choose based on your schedule and freezer space.
What can I use instead of Ritz cracker topping?
If you’re out of Ritz or avoiding them, try crushed pork rinds, almond flour crackers, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even crushed parmesan crisps. The goal is a crispy contrast to the creamy base.