Looking for a new way to enjoy chicken? Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken is a blend of tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy mixture, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes!
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As a busy mom in the kitchen, I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to use chicken breasts. And while I love a good chicken casserole, making chicken in the crock pot is an easy way to change up my cooking routine while adding tons of slow-cooked flavor. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this slow cooker Ritz chicken recipe!
Ritz Cracker Chicken
This chicken recipe uses buttery Ritz crackers to create a unique texture and flavor. Ritz crackers are an American favorite normally enjoyed with cheese or meat or on a snack board, but this recipe uses them in a much more unique way.
You’ll start by layering the chicken breast on the bottom of your slow cooker. A mixture of sour cream and creamy condensed chicken soup is whisked together and poured on top. This contributes to its moist and tender texture while infusing it with rich flavor.
And the best part? The Ritz cracker topping. Crush one and a half cups of classic Ritz crackers until they become crumbly. Then mix them with melted butter. This makes the crackers taste even more decadent and adds a breadcrumb like texture. Sprinkle on top of the chicken and let it slow cook to perfection!
Buttery crock pot Ritz chicken is perfect for any meal, pairing wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Its delicious taste makes it a great choice for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need delicious comfort food!
Slow Cooked Buttery Chicken Dinner
- Just mix the ingredients, place them in the slow cooker, and let it do the cooking for you.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or enjoy it by itself for a satisfying meal.
- With its mild and creamy flavor, this dish is a hit with both adults and kids.
- Set it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner, perfect for hectic days.
- Great for meal prep, the leftovers taste just as good the next day.
- The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery Ritz cracker topping offers classic comfort food satisfaction.
Ritz Chicken Recipe Ingredients
See printable recipe card below for exact ingredient list and directions.
- Cream Of Chicken Soup – Provides a rich, savory base that adds depth and creaminess to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Sour Cream – Contributes a tangy, creamy element, balancing the richness of the soup and adding a smooth texture to the dish.
- Ritz Crackers – Serve as a crunchy topping, adding a buttery texture and flavor contrast to the tender chicken.
- Melted Butter – Infuses the Ritz cracker topping with extra richness and helps to crisp it up during the slow cooking process.
- Chicken Breasts – Act as the main protein, absorbing the flavors of the sauce, and become exceptionally tender and juicy when slow-cooked. I use boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How To Make Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Make the creamy sauce: In a small mixing bowl, pour in the chicken soup and sour cream. Mix together until fully combined.
- Arrange the ingredients: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker, then spread the creamy mixture all over the top.
- Make the Ritz topping: Crush the crackers with a rolling pin or a heavy object so they are crumbly and uniform in size. Mix the Ritz crackers crumbs with melted butter until fully coated. Place the cracker mixture on the top layer of the crockpot, spreading evenly.
- Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve and enjoy: While hot, serve the chicken on a bed of rice, egg noodles, or over mashed potatoes or with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- For added flavor, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Make sure the Ritz crackers are crushed finely for a more consistent and even topping.
- Combine the soup and sour cream thoroughly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Distribute the Ritz cracker crumbs evenly on top of the chicken to ensure a uniform crust.
- If you have time, cook on low heat for 6-8 hours to achieve the most tender and juicy chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Flavor Variations and Substitutions
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a different yet equally creamy base flavor.
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result.
- Add sliced potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker for a hearty, one-pot meal.
- Mix in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence to the chicken for an aromatic twist.
- Swap the Ritz crackers for crushed garlic croutons for a crunchier, more garlicky topping.
- Add a spicy kick by adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup mixture.
- Stir in a half cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the soup for added richness and a subtle cheesy flavor.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or onions mixture over the chicken before adding the soup mixture for extra texture and taste.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top for a smoky flavor note.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Ritz Cracker Chicken
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- French Onion Rice
- Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Roasted Carrots
Storing & Freezing Ritz Crackers Chicken
- Storing: Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
- Reheating: Reheat the Ritz chicken in a microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. In an oven, reheat at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until hot.
FAQ’s
Can I make this recipe in an oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an oven. Prepare the dish as instructed, then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the topping is golden brown.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker?
No, it’s not necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking. The recipe is designed for simplicity and ease, allowing the slow cooker to cook the chicken thoroughly without pre-browning.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny after cooking?
If the sauce is too runny, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with equal parts water and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, and the sauce will thicken up.
What are some healthy alternatives to Ritz crackers for the topping?
For a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat crackers or Panko breadcrumbs. These options provide a similar crunchy texture.
Can I use chicken thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Thighs offer a juicier flavor as compared to breasts. Feel free to substitute.
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
- Slow Cooker Chicken Ranch Tacos
- Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Tortellini
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Stew
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
This easy Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken is a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a flavorful and tender chicken dinner ready to serve. The combination of buttery Ritz crackers and creamy cheese creates a delightful crunch and adds richness to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe for Ritz chicken is sure to impress. So why not give it a try? Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the mouthwatering aroma filling your home.
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Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.75 oz
- 1 pint sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers crushed
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken soup and sour cream.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter and Ritz crackers until combined and crumbly.
- Place chicken on bottom of slow cooker (use a slow cooker liner first for easier clean up).
- Pour chicken soup/sour cream mixture over top of chicken and spread.
- Sprinkle crumbled Ritz mixture on top of chicken evenly.
- Place lid on slow cooker and allow to cook on low for 6-8 hours, high for about 4 hours.
- Once cooked, serve chicken over pasta, over mashed potatoes, rice, or as is!!
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