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Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

This hearty Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender cooked chicken and flavorful Chicken Rice-A-Roni are combined with creamy sour cream and cream of chicken soup, then topped with a buttery, cheesy Ritz cracker crust that adds a delightful crunchy contrast. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that delivers warm, satisfying flavors with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken
  • 6.9 oz box Chicken Rice-A-Roni
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Ritz Topping

  • 6 TBSP butter, melted
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep the Baking Dish and Oven: Lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Chicken Rice-A-Roni: Cook the Chicken Rice-A-Roni according to package instructions. Ensure the chicken is pre-cooked—using rotisserie chicken or cooking it in a crockpot are convenient options.
  3. Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Chicken and Rice: Add the cooked, cubed chicken and prepared rice mixture into the soup mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour and spread the combined chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared 9 x 13 baking pan.
  6. Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers while still in their package or in a bowl. In a small bowl, melt the butter, then stir in the crushed crackers until evenly coated. Add shredded cheddar cheese and mix gently.
  7. Apply Topping: Evenly spread the buttered cracker and cheese mixture over the top of the casserole in the baking pan.
  8. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes, allowing the casserole to heat through and the topping to set.
  9. Broil to Finish: Switch the oven to broil and broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes to brown and toast the Ritz cracker topping until golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  10. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish warm.

Notes

  • Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
  • You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw if frozen, then reheat in a 350°F oven covered with aluminum foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
  • For extra crispiness, broil for an additional minute but watch carefully to avoid burning the topping.
  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade or low-sodium version for a healthier alternative.
  • Leftover casserole can be portioned and refrigerated or frozen in airtight containers for easy future meals.

Keywords: Ritz chicken casserole, chicken and rice casserole, easy casserole recipe, baked chicken recipe, comfort food, cheesy Ritz topping, family dinner

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/ritz-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe/