Cream Cheese Ritz Cracker Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and irresistibly crunchy. This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender shredded chicken (or turkey), smooth cream cheese, and a savory cream soup base, all topped with a buttery, golden layer of crushed Ritz crackers.
The contrast between the creamy filling and the crisp topping makes every bite satisfying.
It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry staples, and is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday leftovers. Whether served as a hearty main or alongside vegetables, this casserole delivers cozy, homemade flavor that feels like a warm hug in a baking dish.
Cream Cheese Ritz Cracker Casserole is a decadent and crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken, a creamy cheese filling, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping.
With its comforting textures and rich flavors, this casserole is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any night when you want something cozy and satisfying. The cream cheese base makes the filling silky smooth, while the golden cracker crust adds crunch and buttery goodness.
It’s easy to make with pantry staples and can be customized with vegetables or protein swaps. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious, creamy casserole from scratch.
Cream Cheese Ritz Cracker Casserole
Description
Cream Cheese Ritz Cracker Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting baked dish that combines tender shredded chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, and savory seasonings, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crumble.
The filling is smooth and flavorful, while the golden topping adds the perfect crunch. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
This dish balances creamy and crunchy textures and is typically baked until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete, hearty meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Optional Add-ins
For the Topping
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and stir until smooth. If the cream cheese is too stiff, microwave it for 20 seconds to soften further.
Add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk or broth. Mix well until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt as needed.
Now add your cooked, shredded chicken and gently fold it into the creamy mixture.
If you’re using any optional ingredients like veggies or shredded cheese, stir them in at this stage.
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Pour the chicken and cream cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out evenly.
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Place your Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or your hands until they resemble coarse crumbs.
Pour the melted butter over the cracker crumbs and toss or shake to coat evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole, covering it completely for that irresistible golden crust.
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Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top.
If you want the top extra crispy, you can broil it for the last 1–2 minutes — just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
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Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the creamy filling to set up slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired, and serve warm with a side of vegetables, salad, or bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Saturated Fat 15g75%
- Cholesterol 110mg37%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Cream Cheese Ritz Cracker Casserole is a rich and indulgent baked dish, often made with shredded chicken or turkey, cream cheese, sour cream, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday side, mastering this casserole is easy with the right techniques.
Preparation Tips
1. Soften the Cream Cheese Properly
Let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. This makes it easier to mix with sour cream or soup and prevents lumps in the sauce.
2. Use Rotisserie or Leftover Chicken
This is a perfect dish for using pre-cooked or leftover chicken (or turkey). Just shred it finely for the best texture. Avoid over-chunking the meat—it should blend smoothly into the creamy base.
3. Don’t Skip Seasoning
Cream cheese and Ritz crackers can be bland without proper seasoning. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of paprika or poultry seasoning for depth. If using canned soup (like cream of chicken), go lighter on salt.
4. Make It Extra Creamy
Want an ultra-rich texture? Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or even a few tablespoons of mayonnaise to the cream cheese mixture. This helps it coat the chicken more evenly and prevents the casserole from becoming too dry after baking.
Baking Tips
1. Don’t Overbake
Bake just until bubbly and golden on top—usually about 25–30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Overbaking will dry out the casserole and make the cracker topping too hard instead of buttery-crisp.
2. Use a Glass or Ceramic Dish
These materials heat evenly and help you avoid burning the bottom. If you're doubling the recipe, use a larger 9x13-inch pan and extend baking time by 5–10 minutes.
3. Top at the Right Time
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the casserole right before baking. Adding them too early or letting them sit on the casserole before it hits the oven can make them soggy.
4. Add a Bit of Cheese (Optional)
While not traditional, adding shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss into the filling or on top before the crackers adds an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Variations to Try
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or corn to make the dish heartier and sneak in some veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Holiday Upgrade: Use leftover turkey and add dried cranberries for a sweet-savory twist.
Serving Suggestions & Tricks
1. Perfect Portion Size
A standard 9x9-inch casserole serves about 4–6 people. Double the recipe in a 9x13-inch dish to serve 8–10. For a potluck, scoop it into a disposable tray and bring extra crackers for topping just before reheating.
2. Pair It Right
This dish is rich, so pair it with lighter sides like:
- A green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (green beans, carrots)
- Cranberry sauce or pickled vegetables (to cut the creaminess)
3. Make Ahead Tips
You can assemble the casserole (without the crackers) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Add the Ritz topping right before baking. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. Reheating Like a Pro
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15–20 minutes to keep the topping crispy. If microwaving, expect a softer cracker topping but still creamy and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
- As a main dish: Serve with a green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli
- As a potluck dish: Perfect with mac and cheese, baked beans, or potato salad
- As a freezer meal: Make it ahead and freeze before baking (without cracker topping)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes prep super quick, but you can also use poached, grilled, or leftover roasted chicken.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat gives the richest flavor, but you can use low-fat cream cheese if desired.
- Cream of chicken soup: Use homemade if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
- Crackers: Ritz crackers are the classic, but buttery club crackers or panko bread crumbs can be used in a pinch.
With these tips, your Cream Cheese Ritz Cracker Casserole will come out irresistibly creamy, perfectly crunchy on top, and full of flavor. It’s a comfort food classic that wins hearts at every table — whether for a cozy dinner, church potluck, or holiday feast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cream Cheese Ritz Cracker Casserole made of?
This rich and comforting casserole typically includes cooked chicken, cream cheese, sour cream or cream of chicken soup, and Ritz cracker crumbs.
The cream cheese provides a smooth, tangy base, while the buttery crackers create a crispy, golden topping. Some versions also include shredded cheese, frozen vegetables, or onion powder for added flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, covered. Just wait to add the cracker topping until right before baking to keep it from getting soggy. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes if it was chilled, then bake as directed.
What kind of protein can I use—besides chicken?
While cooked, shredded chicken is the most common, you can easily swap in:
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Turkey (great for leftovers)
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Tuna (for a creamy tuna bake)
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Rotisserie chicken (for convenience)
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Plant-based meat or mushrooms for a vegetarian version
The casserole is very versatile and adapts well to substitutions.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or the microwave in 30-second intervals. To keep the topping crispy, reheat uncovered in the oven or in an air fryer if possible.
