Creamy Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner, this Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect dish! With tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese sauce, fluffy rice, and a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping, this casserole is a go-to meal for busy weeknights.

It’s a one-pan meal that’s budget-friendly, customizable, and great for meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a potluck, or just need a cozy meal, this cheesy, creamy chicken and rice casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

Let’s dive into this delicious and satisfying recipe and learn how to make it step by step.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Creamy & Comforting: The cheese and cream sauce make it rich and satisfying.

✔️ Crispy & Buttery Topping: The Ritz cracker crust adds a perfect crunch.

✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep.

✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully.

✔️ Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or use different rice options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Chicken and Rice Ritz Casserole, you’ll need:

For the Casserole Base:

• Cooked White Rice: 2 cups (long-grain or jasmine recommended)
• Shredded Cooked Chicken: 3 cups (rotisserie, boiled, or leftover)
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
• Sour Cream: 1 cup
• Milk: ½ cup (to thin out the sauce)
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste

For the Ritz Cracker Topping:

• Ritz Crackers: 1 ½ cups, crushed
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated (optional for extra flavor)

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:

• Use Brown Rice: Cook 1 ½ cups of brown rice instead of white rice.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers and cream soup.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in peas, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
• Extra Cheesy: Use Colby Jack, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish (for baking the casserole)
• Large Mixing Bowl (for combining ingredients)
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
• Measuring Cups & Spoons (for accuracy)

How to Make Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Rice, and Cheese

Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked rice, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese until fully combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the creamy chicken and rice mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.

Step 5: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and Parmesan cheese (if using).

Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Save

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole

✅ Use Freshly Cooked Rice: Freshly made rice absorbs the sauce better. If using leftover rice, warm it slightly before mixing.

✅ Shred Chicken While Warm: Warm chicken is easier to shred—use two forks or a stand mixer.

✅ Crush Crackers Evenly: For the best crispy topping, crush the Ritz crackers into small but not too fine pieces.

✅ Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes helps the sauce thicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Dry Chicken: Moist, well-seasoned chicken makes the casserole juicier and more flavorful.

❌ Forgetting to Grease the Dish: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

❌ Overbaking: Too much time in the oven can make the casserole dry.

❌ Not Mixing Well: Ensure all ingredients are evenly combined for the best texture.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad – A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing.
• Mashed Potatoes – For an extra comforting side dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.

Freezing:

• Freeze the unbaked casserole (without the cracker topping) for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.

Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps

🔥 Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Stir in ½ cup of buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.

🧀 Extra Cheesy Version: Add an extra ½ cup of shredded cheese on top before baking.

🥓 Bacon Ranch Casserole: Mix in ½ cup of crumbled bacon and 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning.

Save

FAQs About Chicken and Rice Ritz Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives better flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Try Colby Jack, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

Panko breadcrumbs, crushed croutons, or even cornflakes work well.

Conclusion

This Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, an easy meal prep option, or a dish to bring to potlucks, this casserole is guaranteed to be a favorite!

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

Print