Ritz Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Classic

This creamy, cheesy Ritz chicken casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. It's easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and boasts a wonderfully crispy topping. This recipe focuses on optimizing flavor and texture while providing clear, step-by-step instructions for success.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 6-8 people. Adjust quantities as needed for larger or smaller groups.

• For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or rotisserie chicken!)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

• For the Topping:

  • 1 (1 ounce) package Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken breasts, cook them until fully cooked through. You can bake, boil, grill, or pan-fry them. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!

2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, milk, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

4. Prepare the Topping: While the oven preheats to 375°F (190°C), crush the Ritz crackers. You can do this by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin, or using a food processor for a finer crumb.

5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the cracker topping.

6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for the Best Ritz Chicken Casserole:

• Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken significantly reduces prep time.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Cheese Please: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese along with the chicken mixture for extra cheesy goodness.
• Different Crackers: Experiment with other crackers like Triscuits or Saltines for a variation in texture and flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use different soup? A: Yes, cream of celery or cream of chicken soup would also work well.

Q: How can I make it healthier? A: Use low-sodium soup and reduce the amount of butter in the topping. You could also add some vegetables like peas or carrots.

Q: Can I freeze it? A: It's best to freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw completely before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

This Ritz Chicken Casserole recipe is a comforting and delicious meal your family will love. Enjoy! Remember to share your creations and tag us on social media! #RitzChickenCasserole #ComfortFood #EasyRecipe #DinnerIdeas