Ritz Chicken Casserole

This comforting Ritz Chicken Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with creamy vegetables and is topped with buttery, golden Ritz crackers and melted cheese. It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner that delivers homestyle comfort in every bite. The combination of textures – from the creamy base to the crunchy topping – makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter, mixing until the crackers are evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Variations

1. Buffalo Chicken Casserole – Add 1/4 cup buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture and top with crumbled blue cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
2. Broccoli Rice Casserole – Replace mixed vegetables with 2 cups steamed broccoli florets and add 1 cup cooked rice to make it more filling.
3. Mexican-Style Casserole – Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, add 1 can drained black beans, 1 cup corn, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of Ritz crackers.

Cooking Notes

1. Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
2. Cracker Topping Texture – For extra crunch, toast the crushed Ritz crackers in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before mixing with butter.
3. Moisture Control – If your casserole seems too dry during baking, tent with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove to allow browning.

Serving Suggestions

1. Simple Green Salad – Pair with a fresh mixed greens salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
2. Steamed Green Vegetables – Serve alongside steamed green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrition and color contrast.
3. Warm Dinner Rolls – Complete the comfort food experience with buttery dinner rolls or cornbread to soak up any extra sauce.

Tips

1. Even Cooking – Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier.
2. Cheese Distribution – Sprinkle the cheese evenly across the surface and slightly press into the cracker topping to prevent it from sliding off when serving.
3. Leftover Magic – This casserole reheats beautifully in individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish covered in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1/6 of casserole)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Sodium: 980mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen? – Yes, you can substitute with 1 cup of fresh diced vegetables. Sauté them lightly in a pan for 3-4 minutes before adding to the casserole mixture to ensure they cook through properly.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers? – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish covered in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
3. Can I freeze this casserole? – Yes, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cook time.
4. What can I substitute for Ritz crackers? – You can use crushed buttery round crackers, panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture while maintaining that satisfying crunch.

Conclusion

This Ritz Chicken Casserole delivers everything you want in a comfort food classic – creamy, satisfying flavors with a delightfully crunchy topping that the whole family will love. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole proves that sometimes the most satisfying dishes are the ones that bring together simple, quality ingredients in the most comforting way possible.

Ritz Chicken Casserole

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• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This comforting Ritz Chicken Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with creamy vegetables and is topped with buttery, golden Ritz crackers and melted cheese. It’s the perfect family-friendly dinner that delivers homestyle comfort in every bite. The combination of textures – from the creamy base to the crunchy topping – makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter, mixing until the crackers are evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs
• Feel free to substitute vegetables based on preference – green beans, broccoli, or corn work well
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, ritz crackers, comfort food, family dinner, easy weeknight meal