If you want a simple, tasty meal, this chicken casserole is perfect.
It uses common ingredients and takes less than an hour to make.
This recipe is great for busy families or beginners in cooking.
What Is a Ritz Chicken Casserole?
This dish is creamy chicken baked with a crunchy topping.
The crunchy topping comes from buttery Ritz crackers.
You mix cooked chicken with sour cream and cheese.
Then you add seasonings and bake it all in one dish.
It tastes soft and creamy inside, with a crisp crust on top.
Why Choose This Recipe?
- Easy to prepare with simple steps.
- Uses ingredients you can find in any store.
- Good for family dinners or meal prep.
- Budget friendly and filling.
- Can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients You Will Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken | 3 cups | Shredded or chopped |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | For creaminess |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup | Or mozzarella |
| Ritz crackers | 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) | Crushed for topping |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | Melted, mixed with crackers |
| Chicken soup (condensed) | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Or cream of mushroom/chicken |
| Green onions | 2-3 stalks | Chopped, optional |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust to your liking |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix chicken, sour cream, cheese, soup, and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Crush Ritz crackers in a bag or bowl.
- Mix crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle cracker mix evenly over chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes.
- Top will be golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool a little before serving.
Credit: www.recipeboy.com
Tips for Best Results
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftovers.
- Do not add raw vegetables; cook them first if needed.
- Make sure to crush crackers finely but not to powder.
- If you want, add herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Cover the dish with foil if the top browns too fast.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations You Can Try
This recipe is flexible. Here are some ideas:
- Add mixed vegetables like peas or carrots for color.
- Use cream cheese or cottage cheese instead of sour cream.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Top with bacon bits for extra crunch and taste.
Credit: addapinch.com
How to Serve Your Chicken Casserole
This casserole goes well with many side dishes:
- Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- Warm bread or dinner rolls
It is a full meal by itself but tastes great with sides.
Why This Recipe Works Well
It mixes creamy and crunchy textures perfectly.
The Ritz crackers add a buttery, crisp topping.
The chicken and cheese mix is soft and comforting.
It cooks fast and uses easy-to-find ingredients.
It does not need special tools or skills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not use frozen chicken without thawing first.
- Do not skip the butter with crackers; topping can be dry.
- Do not add too much salt because cheese and soup are salty.
- Do not bake uncovered too long or it can dry out.
- Do not rush to eat; let it cool slightly to set.
Summary
This Easy Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers is simple and delicious.
It is creamy inside with a crunchy, buttery topping.
The recipe is perfect for busy people who want good food fast.
You can change it by adding vegetables or different cheeses.
Try it for your next family dinner or special meal.
With this recipe, cooking tasty meals becomes easy and fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The 4 Ingredients In Chicken Casserole?
The 4 main ingredients in chicken casserole are shredded chicken, sour cream, cream soup, and crushed Ritz crackers.
What Are Some Common Mistakes To Avoid When Making Chicken Rice Casserole?
Avoid using the wrong baking dish and cutting ingredients unevenly. Do not skip browning meat or thawing frozen items. Avoid adding raw vegetables and cooking uncovered too long. Resist digging in before it cools to maintain texture and flavor in chicken rice casserole.
What’s The Secret To A Flavorful Casserole?
The secret to a flavorful casserole lies in balancing fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics. Use creamy fillings with a crunchy topping for perfect texture. Avoid blandness or over-salting to keep flavors lively and enjoyable.
What Is Ritz Chicken Casserole?
Ritz chicken casserole is a creamy baked dish with shredded chicken, sour cream, cheese, and buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s easy and flavorful.