Ritz Chicken Casserole: A Creamy, Comforting Family Favorite

When it comes to easy, comforting, and family-friendly meals, few dishes can compete with the Ritz Chicken Casserole. This classic recipe combines a creamy chicken mixture with a buttery Ritz cracker topping, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight dinner or someone who loves a good comfort food recipe, this Ritz Chicken Casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about this recipe, from its simple ingredients to step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, and even the history behind this beloved dish. Plus, we’ll explore why this casserole is such a hit with families and how you can make it your own. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love This Ritz Chicken Casserole

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why this Ritz Chicken Casserole is so special:

1. Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 7 simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy chicken filling and buttery Ritz cracker topping create a dish that’s warm, comforting, and satisfying.
3. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the flavors and textures of this casserole, making it a great option for family dinners.
4. Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes or use up ingredients you already have on hand.

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The History of Ritz Chicken Casserole

Casseroles have been a staple of American cuisine for decades, especially during the mid-20th century when convenience foods like canned soups and crackers became popular. The Ritz Chicken Casserole is a product of this era, combining affordable, shelf-stable ingredients with simple preparation methods.

Ritz crackers, introduced by Nabisco in 1934, quickly became a household favorite due to their buttery flavor and versatility. Over time, home cooks began using them as a topping for casseroles, adding a crunchy, golden layer to creamy dishes. This Ritz Chicken Casserole is a modern take on those classic recipes, offering a perfect balance of nostalgia and convenience.

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Ingredients for Ritz Chicken Casserole

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Ritz Chicken Casserole:

• 10.5 ounces condensed chicken soup: This forms the base of the creamy sauce. You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as alternatives.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a touch of herbaceous flavor to the dish.
• 1 cup sour cream: Enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Provides a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the creamy filling.
• 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: The star of the show! These create the iconic buttery topping.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and adds richness.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making this Ritz Chicken Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed chicken soup, Italian seasoning, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Green Onions

Fold in the cooked and shredded chicken and sliced green onions into the creamy mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even layer.

Step 5: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated with butter.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. This will create a golden, crunchy topping as the casserole bakes.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to portion.

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Tips for the Perfect Ritz Chicken Casserole

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and packed with flavor.
• Customize the Topping: Add grated Parmesan cheese or garlic powder to the Ritz cracker mixture for extra flavor.
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
• Add Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, diced carrots, or broccoli florets for a boost of nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

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The History and Popularity of Ritz Chicken Casserole

The Ritz Chicken Casserole is a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food while showcasing the ingenuity of mid-20th-century American cooking. Casseroles became a staple during this era, as they were an economical and efficient way to feed families. The use of canned soups, crackers, and pre-cooked meats allowed home cooks to create hearty meals with minimal effort. This particular recipe, featuring Ritz crackers, is a nod to that tradition, combining simplicity with irresistible flavor.

Ritz crackers, introduced by Nabisco in 1934, quickly gained popularity for their buttery taste and flaky texture. Home cooks soon discovered that these crackers could be used in a variety of dishes, from toppings for casseroles to coatings for fried foods. Their versatility made them a pantry staple, and their inclusion in casseroles added a delightful crunch and richness. The Ritz Chicken Casserole is a perfect example of how these crackers can elevate a dish, turning a simple chicken and cream sauce into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Over the years, this casserole has remained a favorite for its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd. It’s a dish that transcends generations, evoking nostalgia for those who grew up eating it while winning over new fans with its delicious flavors. Whether served at family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, the Ritz Chicken Casserole continues to hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many.

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Tips for Customizing Your Ritz Chicken Casserole

One of the best things about the Ritz Chicken Casserole is its versatility. While the classic recipe is delicious as-is, there are countless ways to customize it to suit your tastes or use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make this dish your own:

1. Switch Up the Protein: While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute it with turkey, ham, or even cooked ground beef for a different twist.
2. Add Vegetables: Incorporate veggies like frozen peas, diced carrots, broccoli florets, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add color to the dish.
3. Experiment with Cheese: Stir shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan into the creamy filling for an extra layer of flavor. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the Ritz cracker topping before baking.
4. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to the filling for a hint of heat.
5. Try Different Soups: While condensed chicken soup is traditional, you can use cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of broccoli soup for a unique flavor profile.
6. Enhance the Topping: Mix grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, or dried herbs into the crushed Ritz crackers for a more flavorful topping.

These simple tweaks allow you to tailor the Ritz Chicken Casserole to your preferences, making it a recipe you can return to again and again without ever getting bored.

 Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a homemade meal can be a challenge. That’s where the Ritz Chicken Casserole truly shines. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 7 simple ingredients, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy families. Here’s why it’s the perfect dinner solution:

1. Minimal Prep Work: The recipe requires little more than mixing a few ingredients and spreading them into a baking dish. There’s no need for complicated techniques or lengthy cooking processes.
2. Short Cooking Time: The casserole bakes in just 25-30 minutes, meaning you can have a hot, homemade meal on the table in under an hour.
3. Kid-Friendly Flavors: The creamy filling and buttery cracker topping are universally appealing, making it a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
4. Easy to Double: If you’re feeding a larger crowd or want leftovers for the week, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
5. Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it ideal for meal prepping or busy evenings when you need dinner ready to go.

Serving Suggestions

This Ritz Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few side dishes to round out your dinner:

• Green Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great accompaniments.
• Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve the casserole with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Crusty Bread: Use it to soak up any extra sauce from the casserole.

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Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

Life can get hectic, and finding time to prepare a homemade meal isn’t always easy. That’s where this Ritz Chicken Casserole shines. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 7 simple ingredients, it’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into even the busiest schedules. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, so you can count on it to satisfy everyone at the table.

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Final Thoughts

The Ritz Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting, nostalgic dish that brings families together. Its creamy filling, buttery cracker topping, and easy preparation make it a go-to meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this casserole is sure to impress.