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.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole – Unbelievably Good (2025) -

Name: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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

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

Scale

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

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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