If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big, delicious hug from the inside, then you absolutely must try this Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping. This casserole brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a luscious, creamy sauce topped with buttery, crispy Ritz crackers that add the perfect golden crunch. It’s the kind of dish that has gathered families around tables for generations and is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients make this casserole shine, each one playing a special role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma. From tender chicken to the creamy sauce and that irresistible crunchy topping, every component is essential to achieving the perfect balance.

Egg noodles (8 ounces): Cooked slightly under to finish baking in the casserole without getting mushy.
Boneless, skinless chicken (1 1/2 pounds): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and perfect tenderness.
Kosher salt (2 teaspoons, divided): Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
Ground black pepper (3/4 teaspoon, divided): Adds a gentle, warming spice to the creamy base.
Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons, divided): For sautéing the chicken and mushrooms with a light, clean flavor.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Brings richness and helps create the silky sauce.
Cremini or white mushrooms (8 ounces): Add earthiness and texture to the casserole.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the creamy sauce for that perfect consistency.
Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): Infuses savory depth into the sauce.
Milk (1 cup): Smooths and lightens the sauce for creamy indulgence.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtly boosts savory flavor without overwhelming.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a mild, aromatic kick to the sauce.
Sour cream (8 ounces): The secret to extra creaminess and tangy richness.
Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve): Crushed into coarse crumbs for that iconic buttery, crunchy topping.
Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Binds the cracker topping and helps it brown to perfection.

How to Make Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Noodles and Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or greasing it with butter. Then, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles just two minutes less than the package recommends. This slight undercooking ensures they won’t get mushy after baking. Drain them and set aside while you start on the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Season your cubed chicken with half a teaspoon of kosher salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the butter foams, add the chicken pieces and sauté, turning often, to get a lovely golden brown all over. It doesn’t have to be fully cooked here because it will finish baking with the casserole. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon each of butter and vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they’re beautifully browned and most of their moisture has evaporated—this takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set the mushrooms aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now it’s time to make that luscious sauce that makes this dish unforgettable. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and a tablespoon of oil to your pan, then whisk in the flour. Let it cook until it turns light tan and smells delightfully nutty, about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth followed by the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly. Then stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, a quarter teaspoon pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Reduce heat and simmer gently for around 8 minutes until the sauce thickens to creamy perfection.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole and Add the Ritz Topping

Return the cooked noodles, chicken, and mushrooms to the pan with your rich sauce. Stir in the sour cream until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared casserole dish. To make the signature Ritz cracker topping, crush the crackers into coarse crumbs by placing them in a zip-top bag and gently crushing with your hands or a rolling pin. Mix crumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of your casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until the topping is beautifully browned and the bubbly aroma fills your kitchen. Trust me, the golden crust and creamy center make all the effort so worth it.

How to Serve Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

Garnishes

While this casserole is a showstopper on its own, adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives brightens up the rich creaminess and adds a fresh pop of color. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add a nice touch of salty depth if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even some steamed broccoli to balance the indulgence with crispness and vibrancy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a heartier meal, try serving individual portions of this casserole in small ramekins or oven-safe bowls. You can also top each serving with extra crushed Ritz crackers and broil for a minute to get an even crispier crust before serving. For holiday tables or potlucks, place your dish on a colorful platter surrounded by fresh herbs for the ultimate inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover tightly to keep the moisture in and the cracker topping from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze this delicious casserole before baking. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F covered with foil to prevent drying out. About 20 to 30 minutes should do the trick. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cracker topping lose its lovely crispness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or chop it and add it to the casserole when mixing everything together. You might want to reduce the salt slightly since rotisserie chicken can be seasoned already.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers if I don’t have any?

If you’re out of Ritz crackers, crushed buttery crackers like Club crackers or even panko mixed with melted butter will work nicely to create that irresistible crunchy topping.

Is this casserole suitable for freezing after baking?

It’s best to freeze it before baking. Freezing after baking can affect the creamy sauce’s texture and the cracker topping’s crunch. For best results, assemble and freeze before cooking.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

You can! Use gluten-free flour as a thickener and substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. Also, make sure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free, and use a gluten-free cracker alternative for the topping.

How can I make this dish more or less creamy?

If you want it creamier, add a bit more sour cream or a splash of cream cheese. To lighten it, reduce the sour cream slightly and use lower-fat milk, though keep in mind this might affect creaminess and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough that you give this Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping a try. It’s the kind of comforting, soul-satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace and makes any occasion special, whether it’s a family dinner or potluck. Once you experience that perfect mix of creamy, tender chicken and noodles with the golden, buttery crunch of the Ritz topping, it will become a go-to favorite in your recipe box.

Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

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This Creamy Church Chicken Noodle Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping is a comforting classic casserole that combines tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and egg noodles in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers. Perfect for family dinners, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors baked to golden perfection.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Yield: 8 servings (1 9×13-inch casserole) 1x
Category: Chicken Casseroles
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
Cook the egg noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate, as they will finish cooking in the casserole. Drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Season the cubed chicken with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon butter. When melted and foamy, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Sauté the chicken, turning to brown all sides, until lightly golden and no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet. Remove from pan and set aside.
Sauté mushrooms: In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, browned, and most juices have evaporated, about 4 to 5 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Remove from pan and set aside with the chicken.
Make the sauce: Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook until it turns a light tan color and smells nutty, about 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk. Continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken. Reduce heat to medium and add 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer until the sauce thickens, around 8 minutes.
Assemble casserole: Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and mushrooms into the sauce. Stir in the sour cream until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Prepare and add topping: Place Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them into coarse crumbs using your hands or a rolling pin. Combine the crumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Cooking the noodles slightly under al dente ensures they don’t become mushy after baking.
Using both chicken breasts or thighs works well; thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
Adjust salt according to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
The Ritz cracker topping provides a buttery, crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole; do not skip it.
You can substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms if desired.