Comfort Food Reinvented: A Cozy Take on Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
If there’s one thing that never goes out of style in the kitchen, it’s comfort food—and few dishes deliver quite like a hearty, creamy casserole. If you’re a fan of the nostalgic charm of poppy seed chicken, then you’re in for a treat. This recipe, inspired by that beloved classic, offers all the cozy richness of the original, minus the poppy seeds, and adds a layer of freshness with tender sautéed onions and celery. What emerges is a weeknight-friendly dish that feels both familiar and just fresh enough to keep you coming back.
A Classic, Upgraded
This version of Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole brings you the soft, savory depth of slow-cooked flavors in a quick-to-assemble format. The shredded rotisserie chicken saves time while still delivering juicy flavor, and the use of canned cream of chicken soup and sour cream creates a creamy, velvety base that wraps the chicken and vegetables in warmth.
What makes this dish shine, though, is the thoughtful addition of aromatic vegetables and spices. Yellow onion and celery, sautéed in butter, provide a mellow sweetness and a little crunch that balances the richness. Garlic powder and parsley boost the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish, while black pepper and celery salt sharpen it with just enough edge.
And let’s not forget the star topping: crushed Ritz crackers. Coated with melted butter and sprinkled on top before baking, they crisp up into a golden crown of savory goodness that adds texture and that irresistible buttery finish.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this casserole—a short, simple list packed with pantry staples:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
- ½ cup chopped celery (from two medium stalks)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 container (8 oz.) sour cream
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz, coarsely crushed)
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- Sliced scallions, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step: From Stovetop to Oven
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and gathering all the ingredients. This is one of those recipes that comes together quickly once the prep is done, so having everything ready up front is key.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter. Add your chopped onion and celery, and cook them gently for about 8 minutes until they’re soft and aromatic. Stir in the parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 30 seconds to bring out their full flavor.
3. Build the Casserole Base
Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl, then stir in the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. The mixture should be thick and creamy, with the chicken and veggies evenly coated.
4. Assemble and Top
Spread the mixture into an 11×7-inch baking dish in an even layer. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the crushed crackers and celery salt until everything is moistened. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is a warm golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Once out of the oven, garnish with sliced scallions for a little color and a hint of sharpness—if you like.
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: You can prep the entire casserole—minus the cracker topping—ahead of time. Wrap and refrigerate for up to three days, or freeze it for up to two months. Just add the topping and bake when you’re ready.
- Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to four days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Get Creative: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Add in some cooked broccoli florets or peas before baking. You can also swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Shortcuts Welcome: No need to roast your own chicken—grab a rotisserie chicken from the store or buy pre-shredded chicken in the refrigerated section to save time.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or even served over white rice for a more filling meal.
Final Thoughts
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole may not have poppy seeds, but it doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to comfort and flavor. With a buttery crunch on top, tender chicken inside, and creamy layers that warm you from the inside out, it hits all the right notes. Whether you’re cooking for your family, feeding a crowd, or just craving something homey after a long day, this dish is a dependable favorite that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.
