My Family's Favorite Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole
Girls you need this recipe in your life. My Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is pure comfort food magic with the most amazing buttery crunch on top. It's one of those recipes that started with my mom and now my kids beg for it weekly. The best part? It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and it's perfect for those busy nights when you still want something homemade and delicious.
Why Everyone Asks for Seconds
You know what makes this casserole so special? It's got everything you want in a comfort meal the creamy sauce the tender chicken and that incredible crunchy Ritz topping that gets all golden and perfect. I love that I can switch things up depending on what I have in the fridge and it always turns out amazing. Whether it's a regular Tuesday dinner or I'm bringing it to a potluck it's always a hit.
Everything You Need to Make It
- The Main Star: You'll need about 3 cups of cooked cubed chicken I usually grab a rotisserie chicken to make it super easy.
- The Rice Base: One box of chicken Rice A Roni trust me this makes everything so flavorful.
- The Creamy Stuff: A cup of sour cream and a can of cream of chicken soup make it so rich and yummy.
- My Secret Spice Mix: Just some garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper to make everything pop.
- That Amazing Topping: Grab some butter a sleeve of Ritz crackers and shredded cheddar this is what makes it extra special.
Let's Get Cooking
- First Things First
- Heat your oven to 350°F grab a 9x13 pan and give it a quick spray. Cook up your Rice A Roni according to the box.
- Mix Everything Together
- In a big bowl mix your sour cream soup and all those yummy seasonings. Then stir in your chicken and that cooked rice.
- Time for Assembly
- Pour everything into your pan. Mix up your crushed Ritz melted butter and cheese then sprinkle it all over the top.
- Into the Oven
- Bake it for 25 minutes then turn on your broiler for just a couple minutes to get that topping perfectly golden.
Fun Ways to Switch It Up
Want to make it your own? Sometimes I use ground turkey instead of chicken or throw in some mushrooms and zucchini for extra veggies. You can even make it vegetarian with just veggies if that's more your style. Play around with different rice types or add in your favorite seasonings. That's what makes cooking fun right?
Why This Recipe Never Fails
This casserole is seriously my kitchen superhero. One pan means easy cleanup and that buttery Ritz topping gets everyone excited for dinner. The creamy sauce keeps everything so moist and tender you'll never have to worry about dry chicken. It's just one of those dishes that makes you feel like supermom when you serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, but add the Ritz topping just before baking to keep it crispy. Store covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
- What's the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience. You can also boil chicken breasts, use leftover chicken, or cook it in a slow cooker with some broth until tender.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
The casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cracker topping before reheating to maintain the crispy texture.
- Can I use a different type of rice?
While Rice-A-Roni gives the best flavor, you can use regular cooked rice mixed with chicken bouillon for a similar taste. Just cook 2 cups of rice according to package directions.
- How do I keep the topping from burning?
Watch carefully during the broiling step at the end. It only needs 2-3 minutes to get golden brown and crispy. You can skip broiling if you're worried about burning.