Quick & Buttery Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Creamy ritz chicken casserole delivers comfort wrapped in a delightful golden-crusted package.

Buttery crackers create an irresistible crunch that transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish.

Quick preparation means you can have a satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.

Crispy topping and tender chicken promise a crowd-pleasing experience that everyone will adore.

Layers of rich flavor combine effortlessly to create a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Dive into this recipe and watch your dinner table light up with smiles.

Why Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe Feels Like Pure Comfort

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Discover a magical dish that brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy Ritz cracker topping.
• Transform Leftovers into Magic: Repurpose rotisserie chicken and rice into a delectable meal that feels like a brand new culinary adventure, saving time and reducing food waste.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like vegetables or cheese to match family preferences, making this recipe a versatile canvas for personalized flavor exploration.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes, simple preparation, and straightforward ingredients mean less cleanup and more quality time with loved ones around the dinner table.

Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe Ingredient Rundown

• Rotisserie Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the heart of this comforting casserole.
• Rice: A classic base that adds substance and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutritional value and a slight crunch to the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce for the casserole.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the creamy components smoothly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor that melts beautifully throughout the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Ritz Crackers, Butter: Create a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds texture and buttery richness to the dish.

How To Put Together Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Crank your oven to 350°F and let it heat up while you prepare the magical comfort dish.

Step 2: Create Chicken Magic

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Cooked rice
• Broccoli florets
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture looks creamy and delightful.

Step 3: Prepare The Baking Canvas

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and gently spread the chicken mixture evenly across the surface. Make sure every corner gets some love.

Step 4: Craft The Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crackers are perfectly coated and ready to add some serious crunch.

Step 5: Crown The Casserole

Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the chicken mixture, creating a golden blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a golden brown topping and bubbling edges.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece.

Helpful Tips For Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Perfectly Prep Chicken: Shred rotisserie chicken while it's still warm for easier and quicker meat separation.
• Cracker Crunch Control: Crush Ritz crackers gently to maintain some texture for a more interesting topping instead of fine crumbs.
• Veggie Variety Boost: Swap broccoli with mixed frozen vegetables for a colorful and nutritious alternative that adds more vegetable options.
• Dairy-Free Hack: Replace sour cream and milk with coconut milk and dairy-free cream of chicken soup to make the recipe friendly for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal: Assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient make-ahead dinner option.

Simple Swaps For Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Veggie-Packed Chicken Casserole: Swap broccoli with mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Gluten-Free Cracker Crunch: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free rice crackers or crushed cornflakes to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the casserole light and satisfying.

Best Sides With Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy texture of the casserole, balancing its rich, buttery flavors with subtle fruit notes.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a zesty side salad with fresh cabbage, carrots, and a light vinegar dressing to cut through the casserole's richness and add a refreshing crunch.
• Complement with Roasted Asparagus: Prepare simple roasted asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper to provide a green vegetable side that enhances the meal's nutritional balance and adds a subtle earthy flavor.

How To Keep Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Prevents freezer burn and maintains flavor.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?

You can use leftover cooked chicken, boiled chicken, or even canned chicken. Just ensure it’s shredded and seasoned well.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to make the recipe gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.

Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ritz chicken casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, combining creamy textures with crispy cracker toppings. Hearty layers of tender chicken and rich sauce make this classic dish perfect for family dinners you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients:

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetable and Starch Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal temperature for a perfectly baked casserole.
2. Combine shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli florets in a spacious mixing bowl, establishing the foundational layers of the dish.
3. Incorporate cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and seasonings into the mixture, blending thoroughly to create a rich, creamy consistency.
4. Transfer the integrated mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
5. Create a crispy topping by thoroughly mixing crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, coating the crackers completely for maximum crunch.
6. Generously distribute the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken blend, covering the entire casserole surface to guarantee a uniform, golden-brown crust.
7. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a bubbling interior and a perfectly crisp, golden-brown topping.
8. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for several minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Prevent dryness by ensuring the chicken and rice are not overcooked before mixing, maintaining moisture and tenderness.
• Swap ingredients for dietary needs: use gluten-free crackers for celiac diets, low-fat cheese for lighter versions, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian adaptations.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, which complement the creamy chicken base and elevate the overall taste profile.
• Maximize meal prep efficiency by preparing casserole components in advance, storing separately, and assembling just before baking to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 456
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg