There’s something magical about the way my grandma’s kitchen smelled when she pulled her Ritz chicken and rice casserole from the oven – that golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust crackling, the creamy rice bubbling underneath. I’d hover by the stove, sneaking tastes of the topping before dinner. Now it’s my go-to when I need comfort food fast – just toss everything in one dish, pop it in the oven, and voila! Dinner’s ready with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or I’m craving nostalgia, this casserole never fails to hit the spot. The best part? That irresistible crunch gives way to the most tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole
This isn’t just any casserole—it’s pure comfort in a dish! Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite:
- Effortless comfort: Only 10 minutes of prep for creamy, home-cooked goodness
- That magical crunch: Buttery Ritz topping stays crispy even after baking
- Busy-weeknight savior: Throw it together with pantry staples and rotisserie chicken
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids go crazy for the cracker topping while adults love the sophisticated flavors
- Leftovers taste amazing: The flavors meld even better the next day (if there’s any left!)
Trust me—one bite of that golden crust giving way to tender chicken and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy classic – I promise you probably have most of it in your pantry already! The beauty of this recipe is how simple the ingredients are, but how magical they become together.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly here – such a time saver!)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (the long-grain kind gives the best texture)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup – this is the creamy glue that holds everything together
- 1 cup chicken broth (I use low-sodium so I can control the seasoning)
- 1/2 cup sour cream – don’t skip this! It adds the perfect tang
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers – and yes, it has to be Ritz!)
- 1/4 cup melted butter – this makes the topping extra golden and crispy
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder + 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – my secret flavor boosters
- Salt and pepper to taste – I’m generous with both
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that transform into pure comfort food magic!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one! Just grab:
- A trusty 9×13 baking dish (the perfect size for that golden crust-to-rice ratio)
- Two mixing bowls (one for the filling, one for that heavenly cracker topping)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
That’s it – see? I told you this was easy!
How to Make Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole
Okay, friends—time to transform these simple ingredients into golden, bubbling comfort! Here’s exactly how I do it (with all my little tricks for perfection):
Step 1: Preheat and Mix
First things first—fire up that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab your biggest mixing bowl and let’s get messy! I dump in the shredded chicken, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream all at once. Then comes the fun part—sprinkle in those garlic and onion powders (don’t be shy!), plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Now roll up your sleeves and stir until everything’s coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. The mixture will look soupy—that’s perfect! The rice will drink up all that liquid as it bakes.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish (I spray mine with a quick shot of cooking spray). Now for the best part—those Ritz crackers! Crush a whole sleeve right in the packet (therapeutic, right?), then dump them into a bowl with the melted butter. Mix until every crumb is buttery and glorious. Sprinkle this magic evenly over the whole casserole—I like to press some crumbs lightly into the filling so they get extra crispy.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide your masterpiece into the oven and let it work its magic for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is deep golden brown (I peek at 25 minutes—sometimes my oven runs hot!), the edges are bubbling, and the rice is tender. If the top’s browning too fast, just lay a piece of foil loosely over it. Pro tip: Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking—this lets the rice fully absorb any remaining liquid and makes serving SO much easier!
Tips for the Best Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole
After making this casserole more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tricks for perfection:
- Fresh crackers are key: Stale Ritz won’t give you that signature crunch – I always check the expiration date!
- Undercook slightly: The rice keeps absorbing liquid after baking, so pull it when there’s still a slight bite.
- Rotisserie chicken hack: Save time by grabbing a pre-cooked bird – the seasoned skin adds amazing flavor.
- Double the topping: Because let’s be honest – that buttery crust is everyone’s favorite part!
- Rest before serving: Those 5 minutes make all the difference for clean slices.
Follow these tips and you’ll have everyone begging for seconds!
Variations of Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:
- Vegetable boost: Stir in a cup of frozen peas and carrots or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition
- Creamy swap: Use cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of chicken for different flavor profiles
- Cheesy delight: Mix shredded cheddar into the rice mixture or sprinkle on top with the crackers
- Herbaceous touch: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the cracker topping for gourmet flair
- Spicy kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like heat
The possibilities are endless—have fun experimenting with your family’s favorite flavors!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a meal all on its own, but I love pairing it with something fresh and green to balance that rich, creamy goodness. My go-to’s? A crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette or simple steamed broccoli. Sometimes I’ll roast some carrots alongside the casserole during the last 15 minutes of baking – the caramelized edges are divine dipped in that creamy rice! For potlucks, I just serve it straight from the dish with a big wooden spoon – let everyone dig right into that golden crust while it’s still crackling hot.
Storage and Reheating
Here’s my foolproof method for keeping leftovers tasting fresh: Store any extra casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I highly recommend reheating in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes to bring back that crispy topping – the microwave works in a pinch, but the crackers lose their crunch. Pro tip: Sprinkle a few fresh Ritz crumbs on top before reheating for that just-baked texture!
Nutritional Information
While this Ritz chicken and rice casserole is pure comfort food, here’s the approximate nutritional info per serving (based on my recipe): Calories: 320, Fat: 18g, Carbs: 28g, Protein: 14g. Remember—nutrition varies based on your specific ingredients!
FAQs About Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time! Brown rice typically needs more liquid and a longer bake time. I’d suggest increasing the broth to 1 1/4 cups and baking for 45-50 minutes. Just keep checking until the rice is tender.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy swaps make it work! Use gluten-free Ritz-style crackers and cream of chicken soup (or make your own with GF flour). Just double-check all your labels – some broths contain gluten too. I’ve had great results with GF crackers from Simple Mills!
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything (minus the cracker topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 20 minutes, add the fresh topping, then bake as directed – you might need 5 extra minutes.
Can I freeze this casserole?
The rice texture changes a bit, but it’s doable! Freeze before baking (again, without the topping). When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add fresh cracker crumbs, and bake as usual. The topping must be fresh though – frozen crackers get soggy!
What if my topping burns before the rice is done?
Been there! Just loosely tent foil over the top if it’s browning too fast. Next time, try baking at 325°F for slightly longer – the slower cook helps everything finish evenly.
Irresistible Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Bakes in Just 35 Minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crunchy Ritz crackers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a separate bowl.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until rice is tender and topping is golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
- Add frozen peas or carrots for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
