A Decadent, Comfort-Filled Casserole

If you’re looking for a rich and creamy comfort food dish, this Million Dollar Ritz Chicken Casserole is a must-try. With tender shredded chicken, a creamy sauce, and a golden buttery Ritz cracker topping, this recipe feels indulgent while still being simple to prepare. It’s the perfect family dinner for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Why Ritz Crackers Make This Casserole Special

Casseroles are beloved in American kitchens because they’re hearty, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. What sets this recipe apart is the buttery Ritz cracker topping—it adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling. The combination of shredded chicken, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup creates a rich base, while the crackers bake into a golden, flavorful crust.

A Perfect Make-Ahead Meal

This casserole can easily be assembled ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when ready to serve. It’s freezer-friendly, too, making it a practical recipe to keep on hand for meal prep or unexpected guests. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup milk
½ cup celery, chopped
½ cup onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups Ritz crackers, crushed
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, celery, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 3: Add the Ritz Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole to form a crunchy topping.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let cool for a few minutes before topping with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy-crunchy goodness.

Recipe Timing & Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Estimated Nutrition (per serving):

Million Dollar Ritz Chicken Casserole

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred and mix it in.

2. Can I substitute the soup?

You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

4. Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

5. What sides go best with this casserole?

A crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls make great pairings.

6 Simple Steps to Make Million Dollar Ritz Chicken Casserole