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Creamy Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Creamy Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5.1 from 26 reviews
  • Author: Lola
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, fluffy rice, and a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks. Enjoy a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love!


Ingredients

Casserole Base:

  • Cooked White Rice: 2 cups (long-grain or jasmine recommended)
  • Shredded Cooked Chicken: 3 cups (rotisserie, boiled, or leftover)
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
  • Sour Cream: 1 cup
  • Milk: ½ cup (to thin out the sauce)
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt & Black Pepper: To taste

Ritz Cracker Topping:

  • Ritz Crackers: 1 ½ cups, crushed
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
  • Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Prepare the Creamy Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  3. Add Chicken, Rice, and Cheese – Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked rice, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese until fully combined.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish – Spread the creamy chicken and rice mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
  5. Make the Ritz Cracker Topping – In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
  6. Bake Until Golden & Bubbly – Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
  7. Cool & Serve – Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Freshly Cooked Rice: Freshly made rice absorbs the sauce better. If using leftover rice, warm it slightly before mixing.
  • Shred Chicken While Warm: Warm chicken is easier to shred—use two forks or a stand mixer.
  • Crush Crackers Evenly: For the best crispy topping, crush the Ritz crackers into small but not too fine pieces.
  • Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes helps the sauce thicken.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg