Cheesy Ritz Chicken

This buttery Ritz Chicken Bake turns basic items from your kitchen into comfort food heaven with a crunchy, rich topping that'll make everyone grab seconds. The mix of smooth chicken filling and crisp crackers gives you a wow-worthy texture combo that makes this dish a total hit for busy weeknights.

I whipped up this casserole when my sister brought her new guy over for dinner. When he went back for thirds and the dish came back empty, I knew we'd found a keeper. Now we can't go two weeks without putting it on our dinner menu.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken: Works great with store-bought rotisserie or yesterday's baked chicken
• 1 can cream of chicken soup: Makes a thick, tasty base without any complicated sauce-making
• 1 cup sour cream: Brings a nice zing and smooth texture that cuts through the richness
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Gives you onion flavor without chopping or bits in your casserole
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds gentle flavor that works in the background
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the tastes but go easy if your chicken's already salty
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Grind it fresh for the most punch
• 1 1/2 sleeves Ritz crackers: Roughly crushed, these make that amazing golden top everyone fights over
• 1/2 cup melted butter: Mixes with the crackers to make that gorgeous golden crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Get your oven going at 350°F and grease your 9x13 baking dish really well. A good spray or butter rub stops sticking and makes cleanup way easier. Getting the oven just right helps you get that perfect golden top without burning.

Mix the Creamy Filling:

Grab a big bowl and mix your shredded chicken with the soup and sour cream. Toss in all your seasonings and stir until every bit of chicken gets coated in that creamy goodness. This way, every bite tastes amazing.

Create the Base Layer:

Scoop your chicken mix into your greased dish and spread it out so it's the same thickness everywhere. Don't rush this part since even spreading means everything cooks the same and has the right texture.

Prepare the Buttery Topping:

Take another bowl and pour your melted butter over your crushed crackers. Stir gently until all the crumbs look shiny with butter. The butter doesn't just add richness, it helps the crackers turn golden instead of burning.

Add the Signature Crunch:

Scatter your buttery cracker mix all over the top of the chicken layer. Try to cover every bit of the creamy base so everyone gets that amazing crunch with every bite they take.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Put your dish in the hot oven uncovered and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the sides bubble up and the crackers turn a pretty golden color. Let it sit for 5 minutes before you dig in.

Pin it

Those Ritz crackers really do make all the difference. I've tried other brands but nothing beats that buttery taste and perfect crunch that Ritz gives you. My grandma used to make something like this for our Sunday family meals, and whenever I smell it cooking, I can almost see everyone sitting around her big table again.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish is awesome for planning ahead and actually gets better after sitting in the fridge a bit. You can mix up the chicken part and put it in your dish, then cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Just wait to add those crackers until right before you bake it so they stay crunchy. If you're cooking it straight from the fridge, just add about 10 extra minutes to your baking time.

Easy Variations

While this basic version never disappoints, you can totally switch things up based on what you like or what's in your kitchen. Throw in a cup of frozen mixed veggies with the chicken for extra nutrients. Swap the chicken soup for mushroom soup to change the flavor. Mix in a cup of shredded cheddar for an even richer dish. You can even use turkey instead of chicken, which makes it perfect for using up holiday leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole goes great with all kinds of sides. Try it with a fresh green salad with tangy dressing to cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli or green beans work really well too. If you want a bigger meal, add some cranberry sauce for a sweet twist or buttered egg noodles to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Pin it

Dig into this cozy favorite and create some special moments around your dinner table—it's sure to be a winner every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap Colby for another cheese?

Absolutely. Cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella are great substitutes. Hard cheeses often work best for the crust topping.

→ What can I use if I don’t own a Dutch oven?

Try using a baking sheet or an oven-safe pot. Cover it with foil during the first half of baking to create a steam effect, similar to a Dutch oven.

→ What’s the best way to help the dough rise?

Place the dough bowl somewhere warm and free from drafts. If it’s chilly, try putting it in a slightly heated (but off) oven for consistent warmth.

→ Can I freeze the bread or dough?

Sure! Freeze the dough after its first rise and thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. You can also freeze the baked bread and reheat it in the oven whenever needed.

→ How do I work with sticky dough more easily?

Dust your hands and workspace with a little flour. The dough will still be sticky, but using a scraper can stop it from sticking too much.