Irresistible Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole Bakes in Just 35 Minutes Recipe
This irresistible Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together in just 35 minutes. Featuring tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, flavorful topping of buttery Ritz crackers, this casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked white rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a creamy mixture.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Make the Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all crackers are coated.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to form a golden crust upon baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cracker topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or a rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese before adding the cracker topping.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to cover the baking dish with foil during the first 20 minutes if the topping browns too quickly, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Keywords: Ritz chicken casserole, chicken and rice bake, easy chicken casserole, comfort food, quick dinner
