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Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ritz chicken and rice casserole with golden cracker topping
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Classic American comfort food ready in 45 minutes. Creamy chicken and rice topped with buttery Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
  • 1 (6.9 oz) box chicken Rice-A-Roni
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare 9×13 pan by spraying with non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Prepare Rice-A-Roni as directed. Cook chicken beforehand or use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  3. In large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until smooth.
  4. Add cooked chicken and prepared rice to soup mixture. Stir until completely coated in creamy sauce.
  5. Transfer mixture to prepared 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly.
  6. In small bowl, melt butter. Crush Ritz crackers in package and pour crumbs into melted butter. Stir until well incorporated.
  7. Stir shredded cheddar cheese into buttery cracker mixture until evenly distributed.
  8. Spread cracker-cheese topping evenly over chicken casserole, covering entire surface.
  9. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes until bubbling and heated through.
  10. Switch oven to broil for last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until topping is golden brown and toasted.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Chicken must be cooked before assembling. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or make easy crockpot chicken ahead.
  • Can use cream of mushroom, celery, or broccoli soup instead. Rice-A-Roni must be prepared according to package first.
  • Add vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, bell peppers, or frozen peas and green beans for extra nutrition.
  • Alternative proteins: ground beef, turkey, or pork work. For vegetarian: use mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, tofu, or tempeh.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/ritz-chicken-and-rice-casserole/