Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken is incredibly simple yet full of flavor. The chicken becomes fork-tender as it cooks slowly in a creamy sauce, while the buttery cracker topping adds the perfect touch of texture and richness.
It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that uses pantry staples and requires very little hands-on time. Plus, it pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables, making it versatile and family-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
cream of chicken soup
sour cream
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
Ritz crackers, crushed
butter, melted
fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker.
- Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
- About 20–30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and continue cooking until heated through and slightly softened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
Cooking time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total time: about 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes depending on the setting used
Variations
Add shredded cheddar cheese on top before adding the cracker mixture for an extra cheesy version.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Mix in cooked broccoli or peas for added vegetables.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly lighter option.
Add a pinch of paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the cracker topping may soften after freezing and reheating.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture, or microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken first to ensure even cooking and proper food safety.
Do the crackers stay crunchy in the slow cooker?
They will soften slightly due to moisture. For extra crunch, you can toast them briefly in the oven before adding.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken and sauce in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Can I use a different cream soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker?
Yes, vegetables like carrots or green beans can be added, though they may release extra moisture.
What can I serve with Ritz chicken?
It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream soup and sour cream alternatives, along with a dairy-free butter substitute.
Why is my sauce too thin?
If the sauce seems thin, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to allow it to thicken slightly.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken is a simple, creamy comfort food dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With tender chicken and a buttery cracker topping, it’s a dependable family favorite that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed dinners at home.
PrintSlow Cooker Ritz Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, savory sauce and topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers. This easy recipe delivers classic comfort food flavor with minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 sleeve)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker.
- Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
- About 20–30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and continue cooking until heated through and slightly softened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add shredded cheddar cheese before the cracker topping for an extra cheesy version.
- Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result.
- Mix in cooked broccoli or peas for added vegetables.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted for sour cream for a lighter option.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
