Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Comfort Food Elevated

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something comforting and easy? This ritzy chicken casserole is your answer! Think creamy chicken and buttery cracker topping! Oh my gosh!

Brief Overview

This dish has roots in classic American comfort food casserole . This easy chicken casserole recipe takes about 45 minutes to make.

It serves six hungry people, making it a great family dinner casserole .

Main Benefits

This creamy chicken casserole is packed with protein from the chicken. It's perfect for a weeknight chicken dinner . What makes it special? That irresistible Ritz cracker crunch! Honestly, nothing beats it.

Why You'll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole

This isn't just any chicken recipes casserole . This Ritz Chicken Casserole brings back memories. I remember my Nan making a similar dish.

It was always a hit! I've added my twist. Now, it's even better!

You know? The best part is how simple it is. You don't need to be a chef to make this.

It's a real win, plus the Ritz chicken topping makes it extra special.

The Star Ingredients: Let's Talk Ritz

Alright, let's dive into what makes this Ritz Chicken Casserole so darn good. First, we've got cooked chicken, of course.

Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for speed. Then, a creamy mixture, because what's a casserole without it! Finally, that glorious Ritz Crackers topping.

The crunch is amazing. We will also be using cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, pepper, green onions, and butter.

Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff in your cupboard already.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Ritzy!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this ritzy chicken casserole . Honestly, it's all stuff you probably already have.

This easy chicken casserole recipe is all about convenience. We are going to make a comfort food casserole . You know?

Main Ingredients: What You'll Need

Here's the breakdown for the chicken casserole with cracker topping . Get your measuring cups ready! This family dinner casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.

• Chicken: 2 cups (300g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here! Look for chicken that's moist, not dry. Day-old roasted bird works wonders too.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 10.75 oz (305g) can. Look for a brand without tons of sodium.
• Sour Cream: ½ cup (120ml) . Full fat is best for that creamy texture.
• Milk: ¼ cup (60ml) . Whole or 2% is fine.
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) . Freshly ground is always better, innit?
• Green Onions: ¼ cup (30g) chopped. Adds a nice little zing.
• Ritz Crackers: 1 ½ sleeves (about 60 crackers). These make the Ritz chicken sparkle. Check that the crackers are crisp and not stale!
• Butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted, melted. Good quality butter matters!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up (Or Not!)

The cream of chicken soup is pretty salty, so don't go crazy with extra salt. Garlic powder and pepper are your main players here.

Feel free to add a pinch of paprika for colour.

For a bit of a kick, try a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use cream of mushroom or celery soup as a substitute. Remember this is creamy chicken casserole .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets for this weeknight chicken dinner . Less washing up is always a win, right?

• 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish . Any similar sized dish will do.
• Large mixing bowl . For the chicken recipes casserole mix.
• Small bowl . For melting the butter.
• Measuring cups and spoons .
• Fork or pastry blender (optional). For crushing the crackers.

Honestly, you can crush the crackers in a plastic bag with your hands! Now you know that everything you need to make our wonderful Ritz Chicken Casserole .

Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole: Comfort Food, Elevated!

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good comfort food casserole ? This Ritzy Chicken Casserole is the business . It’s like a warm hug from your grandma, but with a few cheeky upgrades.

Think flaky chicken, a creamy sauce, and that Ritz Crackers topping... oh my gosh! This easy chicken casserole recipe is guaranteed to become a family dinner casserole staple.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

Essential mise en place is key. Get everything prepped before you start. Shred your cooked chicken (a rotisserie chicken from Tesco works a treat!).

Then, crush those Ritz Crackers . Melt the butter, and chop those green onions. This saves you faff later on.

Safety first! Make sure your oven mitts are handy. Also, be careful when melting butter in the microwave. Nobody wants a butter explosion!

Ritz Chicken Casserole step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
2. Mix your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, pepper, and green onions in a large bowl.
3. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
4. Combine the crushed Ritz Crackers with melted butter.
5. Sprinkle the Ritz Cracker mixture evenly over the chicken.
6. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving, that way it wont burn your mouth!

Visual cue? The Ritz Cracker topping should be a gorgeous golden brown. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Recipes Casserole

Avoid overbaking! The chicken casserole with cracker topping can dry out. Keep an eye on it. Another tip? A mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces of Ritz Crackers will give you the perfect crunchy texture.

make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole (but don't bake it). Cover it and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Add a few minutes of cooking time if baking straight from the fridge! This Weeknight chicken dinner is a real winner!

So there you have it. A creamy chicken casserole that will knock your socks off. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious. Give it a go and let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes for Your Best Ever Ritz Chicken Casserole

Right, so you're about to make the most amazing Ritz Chicken Casserole ever. Before you get cracking, here are a few pointers to make sure it turns out perfect.

I've made this comfort food casserole more times than I can count, and trust me, these tips are golden.

Serving Up Some Deliciousness

Alright, plating this easy chicken casserole recipe is simple, but a few touches make all the difference. Picture this: a scoop of that creamy, Ritz Chicken goodness on a plate.

Now, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Bam! Fancy.

For sides, you can't go wrong with a crisp green salad. Honestly, it cuts through the richness perfectly. Or, how about some steamed green beans? For drinks, a glass of iced tea or a light white wine is spot on.

I reckon it’s proper family dinner casserole material.

Storage Secrets

Leftover chicken recipes casserole are a gift that keeps on giving, you know? First things first: let the creamy chicken casserole cool down.

Then, bung it in an airtight container. In the fridge, it’s good for 3-4 days .

Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Wrap it well in foil or freezer bags. It'll keep for up to 2 months .

To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

Keep an eye on the chicken casserole with cracker topping so it doesn't burn!

Variations on a Theme

Fancy a twist? Easy peasy. To make it dairy-free, swap out the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version.

Loads of shops do it now. Use dairy-free sour cream too. For the topping, use melted olive oil instead of butter.

Sorted!

Veggie boost, anyone? Chuck in a cup of frozen mixed veg. I swear, nobody will even notice, and it adds a bit of goodness.

These options will make your weeknight chicken dinner healthier.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let’s be real. This isn’t exactly a health food, but it’s bloomin’ delicious! Each serving has about 420 calories.

It’s a good source of protein with around 25g per serving. But, like most Ritz Crackers based recipes, it is fairly high in sodium.

700mg. Just something to bear in mind, eh?

There you have it! With these tips, your Ritzy Chicken Casserole will be the star of the show. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Happy cooking, you brilliant thing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Ritzy Chicken Casserole ahead of time? I'm juggling work and a toddler, you know how it is!

Absolutely! You can assemble the Ritzy Chicken Casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This ensures it cooks evenly.

Think of it as your own personal "ready meal," a bit like popping down to M&S, but tastier!

What's the best way to store leftover ritzy chicken casserole, and how long will it last?

Leftovers are fantastic! Store your cooled ritzy chicken casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It will happily keep for 3-4 days. When you fancy another serving, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Just like your favourite leftovers from a Sunday roast - get in!

Can I freeze ritzy chicken casserole? I'm cooking for one, and it makes so much!

Yes, you can! For best results, freeze the casserole before baking. Assemble it in a freezer safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, you might need a little longer in the oven from frozen.

It's great for portion control a bit like having your own ready meals!

I'm trying to eat a bit healthier; are there any lighter substitutions I can make in this Ritzy Chicken Casserole?

Definitely! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, which cuts down on fat and adds a nice tang. You can also use reduced fat cream of chicken soup. Finally, consider adding some veggies, like broccoli florets or peas, to boost the nutritional value.

Swapping out ingredients like this is like the food version of "The Repair Shop," breathing new life into something classic!

My Ritz cracker topping always burns. What am I doing wrong when I make ritzy chicken casserole?

Ah, a common woe! The Ritz topping can be a bit temperamental. Make sure you don't overbake the casserole start checking it around 20 minutes. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time.

It's like giving the topping a little blanket to keep it from getting too toasty! Also make sure your oven temperature is accurate.