Slow Cooker Ritz Cracker Chicken Recipe

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about this recipe! It’s incredibly simple, requiring only a few ingredients, yet delivers big on flavor. The creamy sauce made from cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, combined with the rich taste of sour cream, gives the chicken a deliciously moist texture. The crushed Ritz crackers on top add the perfect amount of buttery crunch to each bite, making this dish a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium chicken breasts)
• 1¼ cups sour cream
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz.) can cream of chicken soup
• 4 tbsp butter (melted)
• 1¼ cups Ritz crackers (crushed)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 tsp of black pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, remaining ½ tsp black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and melted butter.
4. Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6. Serve hot over rice for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can include vegetables such as carrots, peas, or green beans in the slow cooker to add more flavor and nutrition.
• Swap Chicken Breasts: For a different twist, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more flavorful and tender result.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers as a substitute for Ritz to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to cook the chicken for a bit longer—around 4 to 5 hours on high or 7 to 8 hours on low.

2. Can I use other types of crackers?

Yes, if you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use any buttery crackers you prefer, such as Town House or Saltines.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Then, cook it the next day.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger slow cooker to accommodate the additional ingredients.

5. Can I use light sour cream or low-fat soups?

Yes, using light sour cream or low-fat versions of the soups will work, but the dish may be slightly less creamy.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

7. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, adding shredded cheese on top of the chicken before serving can enhance the flavor and make it even more comforting.

8. What’s the best way to serve this dish?

This dish is great served over rice, but it also pairs well with mashed potatoes or even pasta.

9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), or when it shreds easily with a fork.

10. Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?

This recipe is designed for the slow cooker, but you can cook it on the stovetop. Sear the chicken in a skillet, then simmer it with the sauce ingredients until cooked through. Add the Ritz cracker topping near the end of cooking.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Ritz Cracker Chicken is a simple and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy nights. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing leftovers for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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