Name: Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 tbsp olive oil; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup; 1 cup half and half; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 cups egg noodles, cooked; 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded; 1 tbsp parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 4 tbsp butter, melted

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I’m so excited to share this Ritz Chicken Casserole recipe with you because it’s one of those cozy, comforting dishes that hits all the right notes. The creamy chicken filling combined with the crunchy Ritz cracker topping? Absolute magic. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something hearty but fuss-free, or for when guests pop over unexpectedly and you want to impress without stress.

I’ve made this casserole countless times, especially on chilly evenings when everyone craves that warm, homey feeling. What I love most about this Ritz Chicken Casserole recipe is how easy the ingredients come together into a luscious, satisfying meal that feels just a little special. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping because it reheats beautifully — all the more reason to give it a try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this casserole stand out. When you shop, look for fresh produce and shred your own cheese if you can—it really makes a difference in melt and texture!

Olive oil: Helps sauté those veggies just right without overpowering the dish.
Celery stalks: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh flavor that balances creaminess.
Red bell pepper: Brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
Medium onion: The base flavor, caramelizes beautifully to boost the casserole’s richness.
Minced garlic: Just a little punch that wakes up the whole dish.
Cream of chicken soup (canned): The classic creamy base that keeps everything cozy.
Half and half: For that silky texture that lifts the casserole beyond ordinary.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded for the best melt and sharp flavor.
Egg noodles: Cooked to tender perfection, they soak up all the creamy goodness.
Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded, the star protein of the dish.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to balance the richness.
Salt and pepper: To taste—season generously but thoughtfully.
Ritz crackers: Crushed for that golden, buttery, crunchy topping that defines this recipe.
Butter: Melted and mixed with crackers for ultimate crunch and flavor.

Variations

I love that you can tweak the Ritz Chicken Casserole recipe to match whatever you have on hand or your mood. Here are a few of my favorite spins that let you make the dish your own.

Variation: Add mushrooms or peas. I often toss in sautéed mushrooms or a handful of frozen peas for extra texture and flavor – it perks the dish right up.
Variation: Swap chicken for turkey. If you’ve got leftover turkey, it’s a great swap and makes for a fantastic post-holiday comfort meal.
Variation: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream of chicken soup. For a lighter but still creamy base, I’ve tried this and enjoyed how it lifts the casserole with tangy brightness.
Variation: Gluten-free adaptation. Simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and Ritz crackers for gluten-free cracker crumbs to keep all the goodness without the gluten.

How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in chopped celery, red bell pepper, and onion, cooking until they’re tender and just starting to caramelize—about 7 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; those veggies build the flavor foundation for the casserole. Stir the minced garlic in during the last minute so it doesn’t burn but releases its aroma.

Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base

Lower the heat and add your cream of chicken soup and half and half right into the pan with the veggies. Stir until smooth and heated through—this will create a rich sauce to coat the rest of your ingredients. It’s important not to boil here, just gently blend everything together.

Step 3: Mix in Chicken, Noodles, and Cheese

Now it’s time to add shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles, and most of the shredded sharp cheddar (save some for the topping!). Don’t toss everything roughly—fold gently so your noodles don’t break up, and the cheese evenly melts into the creamy mix. Sprinkle in parsley, salt, and pepper, tasting as you go for perfect seasoning.

Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Topping

Grab a mixing bowl and crush your Ritz crackers – I find doing this by hand with your fingers helps control crumb size better than a food processor. Pour the melted butter over the cracker crumbs and mix until evenly coated. This buttery topping is what gives the recipe its signature golden, crispy finish, so don’t skimp here!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your creamy chicken noodle mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top, then finish off with the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, until the topping is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when you see those lovely browned edges and smell that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen.

How to Serve Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

A clear glass baking dish filled with a layered casserole visible from above. The top layer shows a crumbly, golden brown crumb topping mixed with melted orange cheese, covering the entire surface in an uneven but thick layer. Underneath, glimpses of a creamy, light yellow mixture are seen with small bits of diced red and green vegetables, creating a textured and colorful base. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white plate and forks nearby, and a woman’s hand holding the baking dish on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top right before serving to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color. Sometimes I even add a few thin slices of green onion or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky hint. It makes the dish feel a bit more polished when you serve it up but keeps it super approachable.

Side Dishes

This Ritz Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with simple green salads dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. If you’re craving carbs, a crusty bread or dinner rolls soak up any leftover sauce perfectly, making sure nothing goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of thyme or rosemary—it’s such a charming way to dish it out for guests. You could also sprinkle some toasted almonds or crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch and a little flair. Presentation really can amp up the cozy vibe of this classic dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge where they keep well for up to 3 days. When I open the container, I often find the topping has softened, but the casserole itself remains wonderfully creamy and flavorful. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing the casserole before baking works best—assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. I’ve found this method preserves texture and flavor really well.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil to keep moisture in and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Removing the foil in the last 5 minutes helps crisp up the topping again, so you get that delightful crunchy finish even on leftovers.

FAQs

Can I make the Ritz Chicken Casserole recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version. You might want to use vegetable cream soup instead of cream of chicken to keep the flavors consistent.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed buttery crackers like saltines or buttery bread crumbs work well. Just mix them with melted butter before sprinkling on top to get that golden, crunchy texture.
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this casserole?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred it and add it as the recipe directs.
Is this recipe freezer friendly?

It’s freezer friendly, especially if you freeze it before baking. Just cover it properly, and it should keep well for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Using melted butter mixed well with crushed Ritz crackers helps the topping stay crisp when baked. Also, baking uncovered helps it brown nicely, keeping the crunch intact.

Final Thoughts

This Ritz Chicken Casserole recipe is truly one of my go-to comfort meals because it combines simplicity with heartwarming flavors in such a satisfying way. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s an easy recipe that feels homemade and special at the same time. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you just might find it becoming a cherished favorite in your home too!