If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with ease and bursts with savory goodness, this Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and wrapped in a luscious creamy sauce, the crispy buttery Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect golden crunch. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests, this dish transforms simple pantry staples into a soul-satisfying meal that invites everyone back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its straightforward, family-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role – from the savory cream of chicken soup that enriches the base, to the buttery Ritz crackers that crown the dish with irresistible texture and flavor.
- 3 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded or cubed): Adds lean protein and tender bites that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cans Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (or 1 large can): The creamy foundation binds the casserole together with that classic comforting flavor.
- 2 cups Minute rice (or quick cooking rice, uncooked): Cooks perfectly in the casserole, absorbing flavors while keeping a fluffy texture.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and depth, ensuring the rice cooks through and the casserole stays juicy.
- 1 cup sour cream: Introduces a slight tang and richness that sharpens and balances the creaminess.
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (crushed): Creates a golden, buttery topping that adds delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
- 1/2 cup salted butter: Coats the cracker crumbs with luxury, enhancing the topping’s richness and crispiness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready when you finish assembling the casserole and means you’ll get a beautifully baked dish with a perfectly crisp topping.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cooked chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir everything until you get a silky, well-blended mixture. This mixture is the heart of your casserole, delivering a rich, creamy texture with every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Transfer the combined mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure the rice cooks consistently and the casserole sets into a uniform layer that bakes perfectly through.
Step 4: Crush and Butter the Ritz Crackers
Place the Ritz crackers into a sealable plastic bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin or your hands. Next, toss in the softened salted butter, reseal, and shake vigorously. This coats the cracker crumbs in rich butter, which will create that irresistible golden crust you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Spread the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole’s surface. Pop the dish onto the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 40 minutes – or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the rice is tender all the way through. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as it bakes.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve and enhances the melding of flavors. Then dive in and enjoy a warm, creamy, and crispy slice of comfort!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of sliced green onions brings a pop of color and fresh brightness that balances the richness wonderfully. If you love cheese, a light dusting of shredded cheddar or parmesan right before serving adds an extra savory dimension.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out your meal. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. Their fresh, vibrant notes contrast the creamy, crunchy casserole for a satisfying harmony.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe in individual ramekins for personal portions. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick. This makes a lovely presentation at gatherings or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, cover any leftovers tightly with foil or transfer them into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator to keep the casserole fresh for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal equally delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it’s been cooked and cooled. When freezing before baking, cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. For cooked leftovers, portion them into freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 1-2 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the topping regains its crispness. Adding a few minutes under the broiler can revive the buttery Ritz crust beautifully if it softens during storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just thaw the chicken completely before cooking and shredding or cubing it. Using cooked chicken ensures the casserole bakes evenly without dry spots.
Can I substitute another type of cracker for Ritz crackers?
While Ritz crackers add a distinctive buttery crunch, you can experiment with buttery oyster crackers or crushed buttery bread crumbs. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free sour cream or even a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy tang without dairy. It’s a fantastic tweak for those needing allergen-friendly options.
Can I use brown rice or other rice varieties?
This recipe works best with quick-cooking or white rice like Minute rice because of the bake time. If you want to use brown rice, pre-cook it fully beforehand since it takes longer to soften.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some kick, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the creamy mixture. Topping with hot sauce or pepper flakes after baking also livens up the flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a dish that brings people together around the dinner table, and this Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe does just that with ease and deliciousness. Its comforting layers of chicken, rice, and creaminess, topped with a perfectly golden buttery crust, make it one of my absolute favorites to whip up anytime. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a go-to that warms your heart and delights your taste buds!
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Creamy Chicken Rice Casserole with Ritz Crackers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Rice Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with creamy soup, sour cream, and quick-cooking rice, all topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. Baked to golden perfection, this easy casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Casserole Base
- 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 shredded or cubed chicken breast, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Crush Crackers: Place Ritz crackers into a sealable plastic bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.
- Butter the Crumbs: Add the softened salted butter into the bag with the crushed crackers, reseal the bag, and shake vigorously to coat the crumbs evenly with 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. Bake for 40 minutes or until the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy and the rice is tender.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and creamy Chicken Rice Casserole!
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole mixture.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different flavor.
- Minute rice cooks quickly and works best, but you can use any quick-cooking rice.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat sour cream and butter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
