There are some recipes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate. Ritzy Chicken Casserole is undeniably one of them. In my house, weeknight dinners can often be a whirlwind of activity, but this casserole has become a beloved staple for its sheer simplicity and crowd-pleasing flavor. From the first creamy bite to the satisfying crunch of the buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s a dish that brings smiles around the table every single time. Even my pickiest eater, who usually eyes casseroles with suspicion, devours this one with gusto. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to throw together, uses pantry staples, and delivers big on flavor, then look no further. This Ritzy Chicken Casserole is about to become your new go-to for effortless elegance and guaranteed satisfaction.

Ingredients: Simple Components, Extraordinary Flavor

• Cooked Chicken Breast (Shredded): Approximately 3 cups, providing the heart of the casserole with lean protein and savory chicken flavor. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 2 cans (10.75 ounces each), forming the creamy and flavorful base of the casserole, adding richness and moisture.
• Cream of Celery Soup: 1 can (10.75 ounces), complementing the cream of chicken soup with a subtle vegetal note and enhancing the creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: 1 cup (8 ounces), contributing tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the soups and adding depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup, lending moisture and richness to the casserole, creating a smooth and cohesive texture.
• Water Chestnuts (Drained and Sliced): 1 can (8 ounces), offering a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, adding textural contrast and complexity.
• Chopped Onion: 1/2 cup, providing aromatic base notes and savory flavor, adding depth and complexity to the casserole.
• Salt: To taste, enhancing the flavors of all ingredients and ensuring a well-seasoned dish.
• Black Pepper: To taste, adding a touch of spice and complexity, complementing the savory flavors of the casserole.
• Ritz Crackers (Crushed): Approximately 1 sleeve (about 40 crackers), creating the signature buttery and crispy topping, adding a satisfying textural contrast.
• Melted Butter: 1/4 cup, drizzled over the crushed Ritz crackers, enhancing their buttery flavor and ensuring a golden brown and crispy topping.

Instructions: Effortless Steps to Casserole Perfection

1. Preheat Your Oven & Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, drained and sliced water chestnuts, and chopped onion.
3. Season to Perfection: Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that Ritz crackers are slightly salty, so adjust your salt accordingly. Stir all ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Ensure a consistent layer for even cooking and topping distribution.
5. Create the Ritz Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. You can use your hands, a rolling pin, or a food processor for this step. Melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Pour the melted butter over the crushed Ritz crackers and toss to coat evenly. This buttery coating is key to the signature crispy and flavorful topping.
6. Apply Ritz Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, covering the entire surface. Ensure an even layer of crumbs for a consistent and satisfying crunch in every bite.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and bubbly around the edges, and the Ritz cracker topping is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the casserole should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
8. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Ritzy Chicken Casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy filling and crispy topping!

Nutrition Facts: A Delicious and Moderately Indulgent Treat (Per Serving)

(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. This is based on a recipe serving 8 people.)

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/8th of the casserole)
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g

(These values are estimates and can be affected by factors such as the type of chicken used, specific brands of soup, and the amount of butter and mayonnaise. For more precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities you use.)

Preparation Time: Quick Assembly, Delicious Results

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes shredding chicken, chopping onion, and mixing ingredients)
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes (Baking in the oven)
• Total Time: 45-55 minutes (From start to finish, ready to serve)

Ritzy Chicken Casserole is truly a weeknight wonder! The active preparation time is minimal, mostly involving combining pre-cooked chicken with pantry staples. The oven does the rest of the work, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve: Complementary Sides and Serving Suggestions

Ritzy Chicken Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience and create a balanced and satisfying spread. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:

• Fresh Green Salad:
  • A simple side salad with mixed greens, a light vinaigrette, and perhaps some cherry tomatoes and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
  • Consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture to your salad.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli florets are a classic and healthy side that pairs well with chicken casseroles. Their slightly bitter notes balance the richness of the dish.
  • Green Beans: Steamed or roasted green beans, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of toasted almonds, offer a crisp and vibrant side.
  • Asparagus: Roasted or grilled asparagus spears bring a delicate and slightly grassy flavor that complements the creamy casserole.
  • Carrots: Roasted carrots, glazed with honey or maple syrup, offer a touch of sweetness and earthy flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory casserole.
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice:
  • For a truly comforting and hearty meal, serve Ritzy Chicken Casserole over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. This is especially satisfying on colder evenings.
  • Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or chives to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls:
  • Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce from the casserole. Serve with butter or olive oil for dipping.
  • Garlic bread would also be a fantastic accompaniment for those who love garlicky flavors.
• Fruit Salad or Compote:
  • A light and refreshing fruit salad or a warm fruit compote (like apple or berry) can provide a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory casserole, especially for a brunch or lunch setting.

No matter which sides you choose, Ritzy Chicken Casserole is sure to be the star of the meal!

Additional Tips: Elevate Your Ritzy Chicken Casserole to the Next Level

1. Use High-Quality Chicken: While rotisserie chicken is convenient, using leftover roasted chicken or even poaching chicken breasts yourself will result in even more flavorful and tender chicken in your casserole. Dark meat chicken (like thighs) can also be used for a richer flavor.
2. Customize Your Vegetables: Don’t be afraid to experiment with adding other vegetables to your casserole. Frozen peas, diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, or even bell peppers can be incorporated for added nutrition, flavor, and texture. Add them along with the water chestnuts in step 2.
3. Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of some of the sour cream for a cheesy spice.
4. Cheese Please!: While the casserole is delicious as is, adding cheese can make it even more decadent. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese into the chicken mixture before baking, or sprinkle some on top of the Ritz crackers before baking for an extra cheesy topping.
5. Herbaceous Harmony: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh or dried herbs. Dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley work beautifully with chicken. Fresh chives or parsley can be sprinkled on top after baking for a pop of freshness and color.
6. Make it Ahead: Ritzy Chicken Casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the Ritz cracker topping. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the Ritz cracker topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
7. Freezer Friendly: This casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping or batch cooking. Assemble the casserole (without the Ritz cracker topping), let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 60-75 minutes, or until heated through, and then add the Ritz cracker topping for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
8. Variations for Dietary Needs:
   • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of chicken and celery soup (check labels carefully) and substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz crackers. Crushed gluten-free pretzels or potato chips can also work as a topping.
   • Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream of chicken and celery soup (vegan options are available), dairy-free sour cream (cashew-based or soy-based), and dairy-free mayonnaise. Use a plant-based butter alternative for the Ritz cracker topping.

FAQ: Your Ritzy Chicken Casserole Questions Answered

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Ritzy Chicken Casserole. It saves time and adds great flavor. Simply shred the meat from a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones.

Q2: Can I substitute the cream of celery soup?
A: Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of potato soup for the cream of celery soup if you prefer those flavors or don’t have cream of celery on hand. Cream of mushroom will add an earthier note, while cream of potato will enhance the creamy texture.

Q3: What if I don’t have Ritz crackers? Can I use another topping?
A: While Ritz crackers are traditional for this recipe, you can use other buttery crackers or even breadcrumbs as a topping. Panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter and seasonings would create a nice crispy topping. You could also use crushed potato chips or even French fried onions for a different textural and flavor profile.

Q4: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with cooked and shredded jackfruit, chickpeas, or lentils for a hearty and protein-rich filling. Ensure your cream of soups are also vegetarian-friendly.

Q5: How do I prevent the Ritz cracker topping from burning?
A: To prevent the topping from burning, especially if your oven runs hot, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will allow the casserole to heat through while protecting the topping from over-browning.

Q6: Can I add cheese to the Ritz cracker topping?
A: Yes, you can definitely add cheese to the Ritz cracker topping! Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or your favorite cheese over the Ritz cracker crumbs before baking for an extra cheesy and flavorful crust.

Q7: How long does Ritzy Chicken Casserole last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover Ritzy Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Q8: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled to serve a larger group. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger baking dish (or multiple dishes). Baking time may need to be slightly increased for larger casseroles to ensure they are heated through.

Ritzy Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a gateway to effortless comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. From busy weeknights to potlucks and family gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a cherished favorite. Enjoy the simplicity, savor the flavor, and embrace the “ritzy” feeling this dish brings to your table!

Print