If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both simple to make and irresistibly delicious, look no further than this Chicken Rice Casserole with Creamy Chicken and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken, creamy textures, and a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker topping that adds a perfect crunch. Every bite melts in your mouth while warming your soul — a dish that quickly becomes a family favorite and a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this casserole sing with flavor and texture. Each component is straightforward but plays an essential role — from the creaminess of the soup and sour cream to the savory chicken broth and the iconic buttery Ritz cracker topping that seals the deal.
- Chicken breasts (3, cooked and shredded or cubed): Use freshly cooked chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (2 cans or 1 large can): The creamy base that infuses the dish with rich flavor.
- Minute rice (2 cups, uncooked): Quick-cooking rice keeps things simple and tender.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds depth and moistness to the casserole.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the dish perfectly.
- Ritz crackers (2 sleeves, crushed): The secret ingredient for that irresistible golden topping.
- Salted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Coats the cracker crumbs, creating that perfect buttery crunch.
How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole with Creamy Chicken and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole will cook evenly from the moment you slide it in, helping that Ritz cracker topping brown up just right by the time the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cooked shredded or cubed chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir everything until it’s well blended — this creamy mix is going to soak into the rice and chicken as it cooks, making every bite incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread your combined mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Making sure it’s an even layer ensures uniform cooking, so no surprises of undercooked or overcooked spots. This is your casserole’s foundation.
Step 4: Crush the Crackers
Place the Ritz crackers into a sealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Aim for fine crumbs — these will become your decadent, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 5: Butter the Crumbs
Add the softened salted butter into the bag of cracker crumbs, seal it tightly, then shake vigorously until every crumb is coated with butter. This step is what transforms the topping from ordinary to extraordinary, giving it that golden, irresistible finish.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Evenly spread the buttered cracker crumbs over your casserole mixture. Place the dish in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown and crispy, and the rice is tender. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is pure magic.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Chicken Rice Casserole with Creamy Chicken and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe rest for a few minutes before serving. This short rest helps everything set beautifully, making it easier to scoop and enjoy every luscious layer.
How to Serve Chicken Rice Casserole with Creamy Chicken and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pop of fresh green with some chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top. Not only do they brighten the plate with color, but they also add a subtle freshness to balance the rich creaminess.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs brilliantly with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Their freshness and crunch complement the creamy, soft texture of the casserole for a wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions or highlight the crunchy topping by adding an extra handful of crushed Ritz crackers right before serving to keep that crisp texture alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes just as delightful when reheated, making for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it’s been cooked. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. This method preserves the crispy cracker topping better than a microwave.
FAQs
Can I use different types of rice?
Absolutely! While Minute rice works for quick cooking, you can substitute with other quick-cooking white rice varieties. Just ensure you adjust the broth quantity and cooking time if you swap for long-grain or brown rice.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken beforehand?
Yes, pre-cooking the chicken ensures it stays tender and fully cooked after baking. Using shredded or cubed cooked chicken allows the casserole to bake evenly without drying out.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Why use Ritz crackers for the topping?
Ritz crackers provide a buttery, flaky texture that crisps perfectly in the oven. Their slightly salty flavor enhances the richness of the casserole, making the topping unforgettable.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Certainly! Adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the mixture or sprinkled on top before baking adds an extra layer of gooeyness and flavor that cheese lovers will adore.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Chicken Rice Casserole with Creamy Chicken and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe. It’s easy enough for a cozy weeknight, but delicious enough to serve guests without any fuss. I promise once you try it, this dish will become a beloved staple in your family’s recipe collection. So grab those ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready for a heartwarming meal that hugs you from the inside out!
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Chicken Rice Casserole with Creamy Chicken and Ritz Cracker Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish, combining tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and quick-cooking rice topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it bakes in the oven to achieve a golden, crispy topping with a rich, flavorful base.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded or cubed, about 4 cups)
- 2 cans Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (or 1 large can)
- 2 cups Minute rice (or quick cooking rice, uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cooked cubed or shredded chicken breast, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Crush Crackers: Pour Ritz crackers into a sealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.
- Butter the Crumbs: Add the softened salted butter into the bag with the crushed crackers, reseal, and shake vigorously to coat the crumbs evenly with the butter.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly spread the buttered cracker crumbs over the top of the casserole mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the cracker topping turns golden brown and crispy, and the rice is tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and creamy Chicken Rice Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer, use homemade cream of chicken soup to reduce sodium and preservatives.
- Minute rice cooks faster, making the preparation quicker; if using regular rice, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to help the flavors meld and the dish to set.
- For a cheesier version, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture before adding the cracker topping.
