Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Ritz cracker chicken casserole bakes tender chicken, bacon and green onions in a creamy sauce, then tops it with buttery crushed crackers for a crisp golden finish.

You might also like chicken spaghetti casserole, chicken tater tot casserole, jalapeno popper casserole, and Philly cheesesteak casserole.

Why You’ll Love It           

Comfort classic: Creamy sauce and crunchy topping hit all the cozy notes.
Weeknight easy: Minimal prep, simple steps and quick bake time.
Crowd friendly: Familiar flavors that please kids and adults.
Make-ahead smart: Mix the base early, top and bake when ready.

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken gives hearty texture and soaks up the creamy sauce. I used a couple of de-boned, skinned, small rotisserie chickens but you can cook your own chicken breast, thighs or a mixture.
Bacon: Chopped bacon adds savory richness and a little smoky bite.
Green onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens each bite.
Cream of chicken soup: Shortcut base that delivers body and savory depth.
Sour cream: Adds tang and silkiness for a smooth, rich sauce.
Italian seasoning: Balanced dried herbs that add aroma and warmth.
Ritz crackers: Buttery crunch that bakes golden and crisp on top.
Unsalted butter: Binds the crumbs and helps the topping brown.

How to Make Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Preheat: Heat the oven and grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
Make the base: Combine cooked chicken, bacon, green onions, condensed soup, sour cream and Italian seasoning until coated.
Fill the dish: Spread the mixture in an even layer.
Top: Toss crushed cracker crumbs with melted butter, then scatter over the filling.
Bake: Cook until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Finish: Let it rest briefly, then garnish with extra green onions.

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free buttery crackers (these are good!) and a gluten free condensed cream of chicken soup.
Swap the soup: Try cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor. Or, instead of adding your own herbs and seasonings, you can opt to use condensed cream of chicken soup with herbs.
Lighten it: Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the sour cream.
Bacon: You can use turkey bacon or beef bacon. I don’t recommend vegan “bacon” or bacon bits in this dish.
Add vegetables: Fold in frozen peas, diced bell pepper or chopped broccoli for extra color and texture.
Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack with the chicken mixture.
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapenos if liked.
Ritz crackers: Ritz or butter crackers are best, but club crackers or crushed cornflakes can stand in, or even crushed potato chips.
Other seasonings: Switch the Italian seasoning for dried parsley flakes, thyme or oregano and perpahs some garlic powder. You can also use fresh parsley or herbs of choice, in which case use 1 to 2 tablespoons.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Begin your meal with a fennel orange salad or some pasta e fagioli soup.
Side dishes: Enjoy your chicken casserole with Ritz crackers with garlic mashed potatoes, over rice as a rice casserole or over pasta, perhaps also adding some roasted Brussels sprouts to the plate.
Desserts: Finish with pumpkin slab pie or apple ginger cake.

How to Store Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

Store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the filling only, without the cracker topping, for up to 2 months. Add fresh topping before baking.
Thaw: Thaw the filling overnight in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake as directed.
Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot and the topping re-crisps.