Ritz Chicken Casserole: A Family Favorite

By: Julia Pacheco

This Ritz chicken casserole is a classic dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Creamy chicken filling topped with buttery Ritz crackers creates a comforting meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to bring to a potluck, this chicken casserole is always a great choice. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy families and novice cooks alike. Prepare to indulge in a creamy, crunchy, and cheesy delight that will warm your heart and fill your stomach.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 dash salt and pepper
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 3 Tbs butter, melted
• 15 Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

1. Set oven to 350℉. Grease an 8×8 casserole dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cubed chicken. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink and set aside.
4. Add the cooked chicken as the base layer in the greased casserole dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and sour cream.
6. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken.
7. Add crushed Ritz crackers over the top of the mixture.
8. Drizzle melted butter over the crushed Ritz crackers.
9. Bake for 25 minutes. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden-brown top.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole:

1. Chicken Preparation: For best results, use chicken breasts that are uniformly cubed to ensure even cooking. You can also use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time.
2. Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to add other seasonings to the chicken, such as Italian herbs or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
3. Creaminess Factor: If you prefer a richer, creamier filling, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the mushroom soup mixture.
4. Ritz Cracker Topping: Make sure the Ritz crackers are finely crushed for an even topping. You can also mix them with a little melted Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
5. Vegetable Additions: Consider adding vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, or diced carrots to the casserole for added nutrients and texture.
6. Cheese Please: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese over the Ritz crackers before broiling for a cheesy, bubbly topping.
7. Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking. If the Ritz crackers start to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time.
8. Broiling for Perfection: Broiling the casserole at the end gives the Ritz crackers a golden-brown, crispy finish. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
9. Serving Suggestions: Serve the Ritz cracker chicken casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Variations to Try:

1. Broccoli and Cheese Casserole: Add broccoli florets and cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture for a classic broccoli and cheese casserole.
2. Spicy Chicken Casserole: Mix a tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes into the cream of mushroom soup for a spicy kick.
3. Vegetarian Casserole: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version.
4. Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole: Use leftover turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce to create a delicious post-Thanksgiving casserole.
5. Mexican Chicken Casserole: Add black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a Mexican-inspired casserole.

Why This Recipe Works:

1. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, making it a convenient choice for a last-minute dinner.
2. Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can have this casserole in the oven in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of creamy chicken, savory soup, and buttery Ritz crackers is a surefire hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Versatility: This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and flavor combinations, allowing you to create a unique dish every time.
5. Comfort Food Classic: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole, and this Ritz cracker chicken casserole delivers that feeling in every bite.

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Nutrition

Calories: 378kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 855mg
Potassium: 568mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 539IU
Vitamin C: 2mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.