The Ritz Chicken Casserole is a splendid choice for anyone looking to serve a warm, comforting meal that the whole family will adore. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy Ritz crackers into a delightful dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Moreover, this casserole is perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You can prepare it in under an hour, making it a quick and fuss-free option for dinner. It’s a wonderful way to use leftover roast chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken, which saves you even more time in the kitchen. Plus, the scalable recipe means you can easily double the ingredients to feed a crowd or keep leftovers for lunch the next day.
Lastly, the Ritz Chicken Casserole provides a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The creamy sauce envelops the tender chicken and noodles while the Ritz cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch. Whether you are hosting a potluck or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this casserole is sure to impress and become a cherished part of your recipe collection.
How to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
2-3 tbsp olive oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup half and half
2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
3 cups egg noodles, cooked
1.5 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tbsp parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
4 tbsp butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, red bell pepper, and onion. Cook these until the onion becomes translucent and the celery and bell pepper are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup and half and half. Mix well to combine.
Once it has heated through, add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Add the cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
In a ziplock bag, crush the Ritz crackers with a rolling pin until they are coarse crumbs. Pour these into a medium bowl.
Stir the melted butter and one cup of shredded cheddar into the crushed crackers until they are well combined.
Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!
How to Serve Ritz Chicken Casserole
Serving Ritz Chicken Casserole is a joy in itself. You can dish it out straight from the oven into bowls or onto plates for a delightful presentation. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. This simple addition makes the dish look even more inviting and appetizing.
Pair the casserole with a light side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. The creamy and cheesy goodness of the casserole goes wonderfully with a crisp, refreshing salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. If your family loves bread, consider serving it with warm, crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
Lastly, this dish is perfect for sharing. If you find yourself with leftovers, keep them in the fridge for the next day. The flavors might even deepen and improve overnight, making for a tasty lunch or dinner option. Simply reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave, and you’ll have a satisfying ready-made meal!
Additional Tips:
For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Feel free to substitute other vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms based on your family’s preferences.
Always taste and adjust seasoning to ensure your casserole is full of flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: Approx. 450 per serving
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, to give the casserole your own twist.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on the fat content. Adding more vegetables is also a great way to enhance the nutrition.
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the ingredients, cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Ritz Chicken Casserole
This delightful Ritz Chicken Casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing warmth and joy to your family dinners. So gather your ingredients and delight in the ease of this wonderful dish—your family will thank you!
Print Ritz Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
2–3 tbsp olive oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup half and half
2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
3 cups egg noodles, cooked
1.5 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tbsp parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
4 tbsp butter, melted2-3 tbsp olive oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup half and half
2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
3 cups egg noodles, cooked
1.5 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tbsp parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
4 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, red bell pepper, and onion. Cook these until the onion becomes translucent and the celery and bell pepper are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup and half and half. Mix well to combine.
Once it has heated through, add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
Add the cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
In a ziplock bag, crush the Ritz crackers with a rolling pin until they are coarse crumbs. Pour these into a medium bowl.
Stir the melted butter and one cup of shredded cheddar into the crushed crackers until they are well combined.
Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish!
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