This Million Dollar Ritz Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food baked to golden perfection. Creamy chicken filling pairs with a buttery Ritz cracker topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you need a dish to impress without fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, celery, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
- In a separate bowl, stir together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Variation
- Substitute the chicken with leftover turkey for a post-holiday twist.
- Add a layer of steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- Use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers for a different crunch.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
- For a creamier texture, add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the mixture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp side salad for a refreshing balance.
- Serve alongside roasted green beans or asparagus for a complete meal.
- Add a bowl of warm buttered rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips
- Crush Ritz crackers inside a zip-top bag for easy cleanup and even crumbs.
- Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-packaged for better melt and flavor.
- Double the recipe and freeze one unbaked casserole for a quick future dinner.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. -
Can I freeze Million Dollar Ritz Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. -
What type of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but any cooked chicken (boiled, baked, or grilled) works perfectly. -
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Make sure the casserole filling is hot and bubbly before topping with crackers, and avoid covering it with foil while baking.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Ritz Chicken Casserole is the definition of creamy comfort food with a buttery crunch on top. It’s simple to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and versatile enough to fit into busy weeknights or special gatherings. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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Million Dollar Ritz Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Million Dollar Ritz Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food baked to golden perfection. Creamy chicken filling pairs with a buttery Ritz cracker topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you need a dish to impress without fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, celery, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
- In a separate bowl, stir together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Swap cheddar with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a twist.
- For a pop of color, add frozen peas or mixed vegetables to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (of 6)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, ritz chicken, million dollar chicken bake