Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Cracker
When we first started making this Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Cracker topping, we never imagined it would become such an important part of our family story. What began as a simple weeknight dinner solution has turned into the dish we’re known for at potlucks, the meal we bring to new parents, and the comfort food we crave on rainy Sundays.
We remember the first time we served it to our then-fussy toddler – watching those little hands reach for seconds was a parenting win we’ll always cherish. Now that our kids are older, they’ve started making their own versions (our middle child adds an extra sleeve of crackers – no surprise there).
Why This Recipe Works So Well for Our Busy Household
After years of testing and tweaking, we’ve discovered exactly what makes this Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole so special:
The Perfect Texture Balance – Creamy rice, tender chicken, and that signature crispy topping create magic in every bite
Adaptable to What’s in Our Pantry – We’ve made it with everything from leftover Thanksgiving turkey to canned chicken in a pinch
Feeds a Crowd – It’s our go-to when unexpected guests show up (which happens often in our house)
For another crowd-pleasing dish, we often pair it with this Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole when we’re feeding our extended family.
Our Favorite Ways to Serve This Comforting Classic
Over the years, we’ve developed some perfect pairings for our Chicken and Rice Ritz Casserole:
For Cozy Family Dinners
Honey-glazed carrots – The sweetness complements the savory casserole beautifully
Buttermilk biscuits – Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce
Simple green beans – Our favorite way to add some green to the plate
For Special Occasions
Cranberry walnut salad – Adds festive color and crunch
Roasted garlic mashed potatoes – Because sometimes you need double carbs
Sparkling apple cider – Our kids’ special occasion drink of choice
When we’re feeling particularly indulgent, we’ll serve it alongside this Sausage Hashbrown Casserole for the ultimate comfort food spread.
What We’ve Learned Along the Way
After making this Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Cracker topping countless times, we’ve picked up some valuable tips:
Our Chicken Wisdom
Rotisserie chicken saves us at least 30 minutes of prep time
Poaching chicken breasts in seasoned broth adds incredible flavor
Leftover grilled chicken gives the casserole a wonderful smoky note
Rice Revelations
Minute Rice truly works best – we’ve tested all the varieties
ChatGPT said:
Adding uncooked rice lets it soak up maximum flavor.
Brown rice version needs an extra 1/4 cup of liquid
For another rice-based favorite that’s equally forgiving, we love this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Our Family’s Step-by-Step Method
Here’s exactly how we make our beloved Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Ingredients We Use
3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
2 cups uncooked Minute Rice
2 cups chicken broth (we prefer low-sodium)
1 cup sour cream
1.5 sleeves Ritz crackers (we like extra topping)
6 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (our secret ingredient)
Our Tried-and-True Process
Preheat our reliable oven to 350°F (we use the middle rack)
Combine soup, sour cream, and rice in our favorite mixing bowl
Gradually stir in broth to create the perfect creamy consistency
Fold in chicken gently to keep it tender
Transfer to a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish.
Crush crackers right in the sleeve (less mess means more fun)
Mix crumbs with melted butter and garlic powder
Bake uncovered for 38-42 minutes (we start checking at 35)
Our family’s pro tip: We sometimes sprinkle a little paprika on top before baking for extra color and flavor.
The Creative Variations We’ve Developed
Over the years, we’ve put our own spin on this Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Cracker topping:
“Clean Out the Fridge” Version – Adds whatever veggies need using up
Holiday Special – With leftover ham and a sprinkle of nutmeg
Tex-Mex Twist – Add diced green chiles and Monterey Jack cheese for extra flavor.
For another versatile casserole that adapts beautifully to variations, try our Breakfast Sausage Casserole.
Our Freezer Meal Strategy for Busy Weeks
As a family constantly on the go, we’ve perfected freezing this Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole:
Assemble the base without the cracker topping
Portion into meal-sized containers (perfect for our empty nest days)
Label with date and baking instructions
Freeze flat to save space in a packed freezer.
Thaw overnight when needed (sometimes we cheat with the microwave)
Add fresh topping right before baking
It stays at its best texture for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Our Best Leftover Tips
After enjoying this casserole for years, we’ve become experts at leftovers:
Next-Day Lunch – We pack it in thermoses for work/school
Brunch Remix – Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast
Casserole Quesadillas – A family favorite reinvented
More Family-Approved Comfort Foods
If you love our Chicken and Rice Ritz Casserole, you might enjoy:
Why This Recipe Holds Such a Special Place in Our Hearts
This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Cracker topping represents so much more than just food to our family. It’s the dish we made when we brought each newborn home from the hospital. What we serve when college kids come home for breaks. It’s the recipe our now-teenagers first learned to cook on their own.
The simplicity of the ingredients, the comforting flavors, and the way it brings everyone to the table – these are the reasons it will always have a spot in our regular rotation. We hope it becomes just as special for your family as it has been for ours.
We’d love to hear how your family makes it your own! Share your creations with us and let us know what special touches you add to make it uniquely yours.
P.S. For more tried-and-true family favorites, browse our complete collection of easy weeknight casseroles that have stood the test of time in our busy household.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Cracker
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts cooked and shredded (about 4 cups)
- 2 cans 10.5 oz Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (or 1 large can)
- 2 cups uncooked Minute Rice must use quick-cooking!
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 sleeves Ritz crackers crushed (about 45 crackers)
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder optional, our secret boost!
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Mix base: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and uncooked rice.
- Add liquids: Stir in chicken broth until smooth, then fold in shredded chicken.
- Assemble: Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make topping: Crush Ritz crackers in a bag, mix with melted butter and garlic powder. Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake 40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
✔ Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken saves 20+ minutes!
✔ Variations: Add broccoli, cheese, or mushrooms for twists.
✔ Leftovers: Reheat in oven to keep topping crisp (microwave softens it).
