Ah, Ritz Chicken Casserole! Just saying that name brings back so many warm memories of family dinners and cozy gatherings. There’s something so comforting about a casserole – it feels like a big hug from the oven, doesn’t it? I remember the first time I made this dish; I was still a novice cook, but the way it filled the kitchen with its delicious aroma made me feel like a gourmet chef! Plus, who can resist that crunchy, buttery Ritz cracker topping? It’s both delicious and a little fun, like a fancy hat on a relaxing day!
This casserole is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight meal. It combines simple ingredients that you probably have on hand, and the whole thing comes together in no time. So, let me dish out the details on how to make this delightful dish.
What’s in Ritz Chicken Casserole?
Cooked Chicken: Shredded and tender, the star of the dish! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or boil your own. Trust me, any way you slice it (pun intended), it works beautifully.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the magic sauce that brings everything together! It adds creaminess and flavor. I like to reach for a low-sodium version to keep things balanced.
Sour Cream: This adds a delightful tanginess that brightens the casserole. Feel free to use light sour cream if you’re keeping an eye on calories!
Cheddar Cheese: I always go for sharp cheddar for that extra flavor kick. It melts beautifully and makes everything cheesy and rich.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: While optional, I find that adding these makes the dish pop with color and nutrition. Peas, carrots, and corn are my go-tos!
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These pantry staples deliver a ton of flavor without the chopping. They are like the secret ninjas of the seasoning world!
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; it’s all about that flavor.
Ritz Crackers: These are what elevate this casserole to comfort food royalty. They add a crunchy topping that’s simply irresistible.
Butter: It’s melted and mixed with the crushed crackers. It’s what makes that topping so golden and crunchy!
Is Ritz Chicken Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health! This casserole has some wonderful ingredients, but like most comfort food, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
Cooked Chicken: A great source of lean protein, which is fantastic for muscle repair and satiety. A bonus if you’ve got leftover chicken!
Mixed Vegetables: Packed with vitamins and fiber, they provide some much-needed nutrition to balance out the richness of the other ingredients.
Cream of Chicken Soup and Sour Cream: While comforting, these can be higher in sodium and fat. I like to opt for lower-fat versions to lighten up the dish, especially if I’m indulging in that Ritz topping!
Overall, this dish definitely has some comforting draw, but pairing it with a nice salad on the side can add some nice balance to the meal.
Ingredients
– 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn – optional)
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
*Serves: 6-8 people*
How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the casserole a perfect amount of time to bake and become bubbly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Don’t be afraid to get in there and really mix it up!
3. Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. I like to make sure nothing is clumped – even distribution is key for even baking.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well combined. This will make a delightful topping that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
5. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish. Seriously, can you already smell it?
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes!
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This is torture, but trust me; it’s worth it for not burning your tongue!
A Few Extra Crispy Tips!
– If you want even more flavor, try adding some herbs like thyme or dill to the chicken mixture! Fresh herbs are always a game-changer.
– For a twist, substitute the cheddar with pepper jack for a little spice or mix in some ranch seasoning for a kick.
– This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just pop it in the oven when you need it!
– Serve it with a light salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal.
I can’t help but feel excited as I share this recipe with you! I can’t wait to hear how your Ritz Chicken Casserole turns out. Dive in, get creative, and please share your experience! Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite – you’ll be the star of anyone’s dinner table. Happy cooking!
