Pure Joy: Ritz Chicken & Rice Casserole

You know, some days you just need food that feels like a warm hug, something simple and totally satisfying. That’s exactly what this Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is all about! It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table smile, from the pickiest eaters to the seasoned foodies. Honestly, for me, it’s a reminder of how much joy can be found in the kitchen, something I learned firsthand after leaving a super demanding corporate job. My journey to finding peace in cooking, much like the path to this amazing casserole, started with rediscovering the simple, pure pleasure of creating something wonderful with my own hands. You can read more about my story here!

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Why You’ll Love This Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is just pure comfort in a dish, and honestly, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Here’s why it’s become such a staple:

• Super Easy Prep: Seriously, you can throw this together in about 15 minutes flat. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re short on time.
• Loads of Flavor: That creamy chicken and rice base mixed with savory seasonings, all topped with that delicious, buttery Ritz cracker crunch? Pure magic!
• Family-Friendly Favorite: It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike adore this dish, making it a foolproof option for everyone.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this to your next get-together, and I promise it’ll be the first thing gone! It travels well and always gets rave reviews.

It’s truly one of my go-to easy weeknight dinners and a fantastic example of heartwarming comfort food.

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Ingredients for the Perfect Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

Okay, let’s get our pantry ready! The beauty of this ritz chicken and rice casserole is that it uses pretty simple, everyday stuff. You probably have most of it already!

• 1 cup uncooked white rice (no need to cook it first!)
• 2 cups chicken broth (this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup (the backbone of our creamy sauce)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess and a little tang)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (just a hint of savory goodness)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon here!)
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (you’ll want that buttery topping!)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted (to make those crackers golden and delicious)

Seriously, look how easy that is! It all comes together beautifully.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions for Your Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

Now, let’s chat about a few of these ingredients because sometimes life happens and you need to tweak things! The real star here, besides that amazing crunchy broccoli cheese soup if you wanted to swap it, is that creamy condensed soup. Cream of chicken is classic, but honestly, cream of mushroom or even cream of celery work like a charm. Just grab your favorite! And for the chicken, rotisserie chicken is a total lifesaver – it’s already cooked and seasoned, making prep a breeze. But leftover roasted chicken or even boiled chicken breast works perfectly, too. Don’t feel tied down; make it your own!

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How to Make the Best Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness into the oven! Making this ritz chicken and rice casserole is honestly super straightforward. You’ll feel like a kitchen pro in no time!

Preheating and Preparing Your Casserole Dish

First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Go ahead and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, grab your favorite 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick little grease. A little cooking spray or a swipe of butter is all you need to make sure nothing sticks!

Mixing the Creamy Chicken and Rice Base

Now for the magic part! In a big bowl, combine your uncooked white rice and the chicken broth. Give it a good stir, then toss in the condensed cream of chicken soup, that dollop of sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix it all up until everything looks nicely blended and creamy. Gently fold in your cooked chicken – whether it’s shredded or diced, just get it all in there! This whole base is so good, it almost reminds me of this garlic chicken and rice dish, but even creamier!

Creating the Buttery Ritz Topping

This is what makes it *extra* special! Take your crushed Ritz crackers and put them in a small bowl. Pour that lovely melted butter over them and give it a good stir. You want all those delightful cracker crumbs to be coated in butter so they get perfectly crisp and golden in the oven.

Assembling and Baking Your Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

Okay, time to put it all together! Pour that creamy chicken and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle that buttery Ritz cracker topping all over the top. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping to be a beautiful golden brown. Once it looks perfect, let it sit for about 5 minutes before you dive in. Trust me, the anticipation is worth it!

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Tips for a Perfect Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Every Time

You know, baking is a journey, and sometimes you just need a few little tricks up your sleeve to make sure your dish turns out *perfect* every single time. This ritz chicken and rice casserole is pretty forgiving, but a couple of things I’ve learned over the years really take it to the next level.

First off, about that rice! Make sure you’re not cooking it beforehand. It cooks right in the casserole with the broth, and that’s what makes it so wonderfully tender and absorbs all those yummy flavors. If you feel like your casserole is looking a little too thick or dry when you mix it, just add a tiny splash more chicken broth – no big deal! And for that golden topping, make sure all the cracker crumbs are really coated in butter; it makes a world of difference for getting them nice and crispy. It reminds me a bit of getting the perfect crust on my bread when I bake, and that takes a bit of practice too! Check out my bread baking tips here – same principles apply to getting that golden touch!

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

Life gets busy, right? That’s why I love that this ritz chicken and rice casserole is totally preppable! You can actually assemble the whole thing (just wait to add that buttery Ritz topping!) and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Then, when dinnertime rolls around, just sprinkle on those crumbs and bake it a little longer, maybe 40-45 minutes total, until it’s bubbly and golden. It’s a lifesaver for those days when you just don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Even better? This casserole freezes like a dream. Once it’s completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then some foil to prevent any freezer burn. It’ll keep beautifully for about 3 months. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as usual. It makes planning meals so much easier, kind of like how I approach easy weeknight dinners or even prepping ahead for something like this chicken spaghetti casserole. Having a delicious meal waiting in the freezer is pure joy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Comforting Chicken and Rice Bake

This creamy chicken and rice bake is pretty darn satisfying all on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal or take it to a potluck (it’s a total potluck favorite, by the way!), a few simple sides really make it shine. A fresh, crisp cucumber and tomato salad cuts through the richness beautifully. Or, if you’re feeling something a bit lighter, some steamed green beans or a simple side salad works wonders. It’s such a versatile dish, and honestly, it’s great with just about anything green and fresh. You can even round out your spread with some easy appetizers and snacks if you’re hosting!

Frequently Asked Questions about Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

Got questions about making this amazing creamy chicken casserole? I’ve got answers!

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Absolutely! If you don’t have leftover cooked chicken, just dice up about 1 to 1.5 pounds of raw chicken breast or thighs. You can brown it in a skillet with a little oil and seasoning before adding it to the casserole base. Make sure it’s cooked through before baking the casserole, or just pop the raw chicken in with everything else – it’ll cook in the liquid, but might take a bit longer in the oven.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

No worries if you’re out of Ritz! Any buttery cracker will work beautifully for that iconic crunchy topping. Club crackers, saltines, or even crushed butter crackers will give you a fantastic golden-brown crust. For a totally different vibe, you could even try panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or maybe some crushed cornflakes for a little crunch with a different flavor!

Can this casserole be made healthier?

You bet! To lighten it up a bit, try using reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and a light sour cream. You could also swap out about half of the butter for the topping with olive oil. And don’t be afraid to load it up with extra veggies like peas, corn, broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms when you mix everything together. It’s a super adaptable easy weeknight dinner!

Nutritional Information for this Creamy Chicken Casserole

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info can bounce around a bit depending on exactly what brands you use and how much chicken you end up adding. But, to give you a general idea, one serving of this delicious Ritz chicken and rice casserole usually clocks in at around 450 calories. You’re looking at about 25g of fat, with 8g of that being saturated, and a solid 25g of protein to keep you going. It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal!

Share Your Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Creation!

I just love hearing from you all! If you make this ritz chicken and rice casserole, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you try a fun substitution? I’d also be thrilled if you shared a photo on social media and tagged me – you can find me on Facebook! Seeing your creations makes my day and inspires others. And if this became a family favorite, be sure to check out my other easy weeknight dinners and comfort food recipes too!

Easy Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

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A creamy, comforting chicken and rice casserole topped with buttery Ritz crackers. This easy one-pan bake is perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Total Time: 55 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice and chicken broth.
3. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Add the cooked chicken to the mixture and stir gently.
5. Pour the chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
7. Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a make-ahead option, assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
• This casserole freezes well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• You can substitute other condensed soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or broccoli to the casserole.
• Consider this a great alternative to some meal planning services when you need a quick, satisfying meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg