Ritz Chicken And Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Ritz Chicken And Rice Casserole
Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. This creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish combines tender chicken with fluffy rice and a buttery cracker topping. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will guide you step by step to create a meal that everyone will love.
A Personal Story Behind My Ritz Chicken And Rice Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table for hearty meals. One dish that always brought smiles was my mom’s Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole. The crunchy Ritz cracker topping and creamy filling made it a family favorite. Now, I love making it for my own family, passing down the tradition of this comforting meal while creating new memories together.
What Makes This Ritz Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out not only for its delicious flavors but also for its simplicity. Using just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a delightful dish that feeds a crowd. The combination of chicken, Rice-A-Roni, and a rich creamy sauce topped with crispy Ritz crackers creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Plus, you can add your favorite vegetables to make it even heartier!
The Full Ritz Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken
- 1 box (6.9 oz) chicken Rice-A-Roni
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- Ritz Topping:
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Rice-A-Roni as directed on the package. Make sure your chicken is cooked before assembling the casserole; a store-bought rotisserie chicken works great for this!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add the cooked chicken and Rice-A-Roni to the soup mixture, stirring well to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter. While it’s melting, crush the Ritz crackers in their package for easy cleanup. Mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the cracker topping evenly over the chicken casserole in the baking dish.
- Bake the casserole for 25 minutes. For the last 2-3 minutes, switch the oven to broil to toast the cracker topping until golden brown.
- Serve and savor the creamy goodness!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Ritz Chicken And Rice Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For added flavor and nutrition, consider mixing in cooked vegetables like peas or carrots before baking. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add a sprinkle of herbs on top for a burst of freshness. Enjoy it as leftovers too, as it tastes just as good the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ritz Chicken And Rice Casserole
- Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Just make sure to cover it tightly. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Ritz Chicken And Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch baking pan for baking the casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken
- 1 box (6.9 oz) chicken Rice-A-Roni
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
Ritz Topping
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Rice-A-Roni as directed on the package. Ensure the chicken is cooked before assembling the casserole. You can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or make an easy crockpot chicken.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked chicken and rice to the soup mixture, stirring well. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter. Crush the Ritz crackers in their package, then mix the crumbs with the melted butter. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the cracker topping evenly over the chicken casserole.
- Bake the casserole for 25 minutes. For the last 2-3 minutes, switch the oven to broil to toast the cracker topping.
- Serve and savor the creamy goodness!