ritz chicken casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Meal in Minutes
Looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to make? The ritz chicken casserole is a top choice. It’s known for its tender chicken, creamy base, and crispy cracker topping. Many say it tastes like a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
To see how to prepare this recipe, you will find it below.
In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal ready. It uses seven ingredients, making it perfect for busy nights. The ritz chicken casserole brings ease and comfort to your table.
In this article, you’ll discover how to make the perfect chicken casserole. You’ll learn about quick preparation, the right ingredients, and many variations. Whether you use a rotisserie chicken or leftovers, this meal will wow your family and friends.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Ritz Chicken Casserole
The ritz cracker chicken casserole is a delightful dish. It combines tender chicken, creamy flavors, and a crispy Ritz crackers topping. This recipe turns simple ingredients into a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
It’s great for dinner with family or a dish to take to a potluck. The savory flavors and unique Ritz crackers texture make it special. It’s a satisfying dish with amazing taste.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked and shredded chicken | 3 cups |
| Condensed chicken soup | 10.5 ounces |
| Crushed Ritz crackers | 1 sleeve |
| Unsalted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Sliced green onions | 1/4 cup |
| Sodium content per serving | 580 mg |
| Total calories per serving | 169 kcal |
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This Ritz Chicken Casserole is a hit in any kitchen. It’s known for its amazing taste and how easy it is to make. It’s perfect for busy days, making it a top choice for quick meals.
Quick Preparation for Busy Nights
Preparing this dish takes just 10 minutes. It’s ideal for those crazy evenings when you need a fast meal. You’ll enjoy a homemade dish without spending hours cooking.
Crowd-Pleaser Flavor
This casserole is a crowd-pleaser. It’s creamy, topped with crunchy crackers, and full of flavor. Every bite is a delight, making it a favorite for many.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals
If you like planning meals ahead, this casserole is great. You can make it early, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready. It saves time and makes meal prep easy.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Baking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | Under 1 hour |
| Serving Size | 1.25 cups |
| Calories per Serving | 561 kcal |
| Dietary Adaptability | Gluten-free, low-fat, vegetarian options available |
| Refrigerator Storage | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 2 months |
Ingredients You Need
To make a great Ritz Chicken Casserole, you need some key ingredients. These will add flavors and textures. The dish combines cooked chicken, creamy ingredients, and a tasty cracker topping.
Cooked Shredded Chicken Options
For the main protein, you can choose from:
- Rotisserie chicken – It’s convenient and adds flavor, saving you time.
- Boiled chicken breasts – A leaner choice, it tastes and feels similar.
- Cooked chicken thighs – They add juiciness and richness to the casserole.
You’ll need 5-6 cups of cooked chicken, about 750-900 grams. This makes the casserole hearty.
Key Flavoring Ingredients
The flavor of the casserole is crucial. You’ll need:
- Two cans of cream of chicken soup – Each can is about 10.5 ounces, so aim for 21 ounces total.
- 1 cup of sour cream – It adds creamy richness, essential for the texture.
- Seasonings – A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed (about 1 teaspoon) enhances the flavor.
Cracker Topping Essentials
The topping adds a beloved crunch. You’ll need:
- Ritz crackers – About 2 sleeves, which is roughly 60 crackers when crushed.
- Butter – One and a half sticks (12 tablespoons, about 170 grams) mixed with the crushed crackers for crunchiness.
With these ingredients, you’ll make a delicious Ritz Chicken Casserole that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole
Making a delicious Ritz Chicken Casserole is easy. You just need a few ingredients and simple steps. This guide will help you make a meal your family will love.
Step-by-Step Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish for better cooking. In a big bowl, mix 5 cups of cooked chicken, two cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of sour cream, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. You can also add veggies like frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
For the topping, crush 60 Ritz crackers and mix them with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Spread this mix over the chicken layer. This adds a crunchy, buttery texture to your casserole.
Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes. It should be golden brown and bubbly. This way, the topping gets crispy. Your casserole is now ready to be enjoyed.
Importance of Preheating Your Oven
Preheating your oven is key. It ensures even cooking and a golden brown topping. Without it, your casserole might cook unevenly or have a soggy topping. This can ruin the dish’s flavor and texture.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Diced Cooked Chicken | 5 cups (approximately 1 1/2 pounds) or 24 ounces canned |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans, undiluted |
| Sour Cream | 1 cup (8-ounce container) |
| Chicken Broth | 1/2 cup low-sodium or unsalted |
| Ritz Crackers | 60 (approx. 2 sleeves; 7 ounces) |
| Butter | 8 tablespoons (4 for the bottom, 4 for topping) |
| Baking Time | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Recommended Servings | 6 to 8 servings |
Tips for the Best Ritz Chicken Casserole
To make the perfect Ritz Chicken Casserole, follow some key tips. Use full-fat ingredients for better flavor and texture. It’s also important to crush the crackers well and keep the topping crispy.
Using Full-Fat Ingredients
Choose full-fat sour cream and butter for a creamy base. These ingredients make your casserole taste richer. The higher fat content makes it more indulgent than lighter versions.
Crushing the Crackers Efficiently
Crush the Ritz crackers in their packaging for easy cleanup. This way, you get the right crumb texture. Use about 31 crackers for 1 1/3 cups of crumbs. This is key for the best texture.
Keeping the Topping Crispy
Don’t cover your casserole with foil while baking. This lets the top brown nicely. Bake until it’s golden brown and bubbly, about 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F. These steps help make your casserole a success every time.
Ways to Customize Your Casserole
Ritz Chicken Casserole is super versatile. You can make it your own by changing it up. Whether you like it creamy, want more nutrition, or just want to try something new, it’s easy to customize.
Adding Cheese for Extra Creaminess
If you love cheese, add some cheddar or mozzarella. It makes the casserole creamier and tastier. You can use as much or as little as you like, so every bite is cheesy.
Incorporating Vegetables
Adding veggies makes your casserole healthier and tastier. Try adding peas, broccoli, or carrots. They add color and important vitamins, making your meal better for you.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cheddar Cheese | Enhances creaminess and flavor |
| Mozzarella Cheese | Provides a stringy texture when melted |
| Peas | Adds sweetness and color |
| Broccoli | Offers crunch and nutritional benefit |
| Carrots | Increases nutritional value and adds sweetness |
When it comes to reheating, you have a few options:
- For individual portions, the microwave works best. Heat until warmed through.
- If reheating the entire casserole, cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.
The nutritional content is substantial, making your leftovers a hearty meal option. Each serving contains 571 calories, along with 26g of protein, shaking up any notion that leftover meals are boring. With proper chicken casserole storage, you can indulge in tasty, hearty portions without sacrificing quality.
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 571 |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 42g |
| Saturated Fat | 17g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 134mg |
| Sodium | 975mg |
| Potassium | 342mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 752 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2mg |
| Calcium | 89mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Ritz Chicken Casserole Variations
The Ritz Chicken Casserole is a tasty dish that you can make your own. Try swapping cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery soup. This adds a new flavor to the classic recipe.
Adding cooked rice or pasta makes the casserole more filling. It also helps make the dish go further, saving money. Using a rotisserie chicken makes the casserole moist and saves time.
For toppings, you can use more than just Ritz crackers. Try crushed potato chips or other buttery crackers like Townhouse or Club. They add a nice crunch and variety to your dish.
| Variation | Base Ingredient | Additional Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Ritz | Cream of Chicken Soup | Ritz Crackers, Shredded Chicken | Traditional flavor profile |
| Mushroom Twist | Cream of Mushroom Soup | Mushrooms, Ritz Crackers | Great for mushroom lovers |
| Vegetable Delight | Cream of Celery Soup | Frozen Mixed Vegetables | Adds vibrant color and nutrition |
| Cheesy Chicken | Cream of Chicken Soup | Shredded Mozzarella | Enhances cheesiness |
| Pasta Casserole | Cream of Chicken Soup | Cooked Egg Noodles, Peas and Carrots | Comfort food with hearty noodles |
These variations keep your meals fresh and exciting. They offer many options for different chicken casseroles throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
Your Ritz Chicken Casserole is a hit with its tasty flavors. Adding the right side dishes for casserole makes the meal even better. Try a simple green salad, steamed veggies, or rice to make your casserole even more satisfying.
Here are some popular side dishes to consider:
- Oven Roasted Broccoli – Ready in just 10 minutes, this light option complements the richness of the casserole.
- Green Beans – Their crunch and fresh taste add contrast, making for a fulfilling meal.
- Honey Butter Skillet Corn – Utilizing frozen corn makes preparation quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cowboy Baked Beans – Cook on the stovetop or grill, adding a hearty flair to your dining table.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls – These semi-homemade breads provide a comforting side with minimal effort.
There are 35 side dishes for chicken casserole to choose from. Each one offers a different taste, catering to various preferences. Choosing lighter sides also boosts the meal’s healthiness, making dinner enjoyable for all.
| Side Dish | Preparation Time | Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Roasted Broccoli | 10 minutes | Oven |
| Green Beans | 15 minutes | Steaming |
| Honey Butter Skillet Corn | 5 minutes | Stovetop |
| Cowboy Baked Beans | 10 minutes | Stovetop/Grill |
| Homemade Dinner Rolls | 15 minutes | Oven |
Adding these sides makes your table lively and your meal enjoyable. Enjoy the mix of flavors with your Ritz Chicken Casserole.
More Chicken Casserole Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you love the taste of Ritz Chicken Casserole, you’ll enjoy many other chicken casserole recipes. They all share the comfort of classic casseroles but with their own special touches. These dishes can excite your taste buds with their unique flavors.
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: This mix of spaghetti, chicken, and creamy sauce topped with cheese is a treat for your taste buds.
- Chicken Noodle Casserole: It’s a classic with chicken, noodles, and veggies in a savory sauce. It’s perfect for a quick family dinner.
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole: This dish is rich and creamy, with chicken, rice, and veggies. It’s baked until it’s bubbly and golden.
These recipes are all about comfort and warmth. As you try different chicken casserole recipes, you’ll find they’re easy to make and delicious. They’re great for bringing people together, whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Conclusion
The Ritz Chicken Casserole is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and cooks quickly. This makes it perfect for satisfying your family and friends.
It’s great because you can change it up to your liking. Add your favorite veggies or more cheese for extra creaminess. Plus, it’s easy to store, so you can make it ahead of time.
So, get your ingredients ready and enjoy making this casserole. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring people together. Share it at your next gathering and watch everyone enjoy it.
