Description
This Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make dish. Cooked chicken and prepared Rice-A-Roni are combined in a savory soup mixture and topped with a buttery, cheesy Ritz cracker crust.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- 1 (6.9-ounce) box Chicken Flavor Rice-A-Roni, prepared according to package directions
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ritz Topping:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Rice-A-Roni: Prepare the Chicken Flavor Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions.
- Prepare Chicken: Ensure your chicken is cooked and cubed or shredded. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.
- Make Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, undiluted cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Casserole Base: Add the cooked chicken and the prepared Rice-A-Roni to the soup mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Make Ritz Topping: In a separate small bowl, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter. Crush the Ritz crackers while still in the sleeve (or place in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin). Add the crushed cracker crumbs to the bowl with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Top Casserole: Sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping evenly over the chicken and rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes.
- Broil (Optional): For a crispier, more golden topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch very carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Rice-A-Roni: Follow the package directions exactly when preparing the Rice-A-Roni.
- Chicken: Using a rotisserie chicken saves time. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or bake/poach chicken breasts or thighs.
- Cheese: Sharp or medium cheddar is recommended for the topping, but you can use other cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack.
- Topping: Ensure the cracker crumbs are well coated in butter for a crispy topping.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently.