There’s something about ritz cracker chicken casserole with rice that brings a kind of quiet comfort. It’s not flashy, it’s not trying too hard — it’s just good, honest food. The kind you can count on. This recipe takes me right back to the warm, bustling kitchen of my childhood, where Mama Lou always had a way of making the ordinary feel like magic.
“The scent of baked Ritz and creamy chicken always floated down the hallway. You knew it was going to be a good evening when Mama Lou had her red casserole dish out.”
This casserole isn’t just about feeding people — it’s about filling a home with the kind of smells and sounds that wrap around your heart. It was a staple on Tuesdays, when Mama Lou watched her soap operas and we all came home from school famished. She’d hum while crushing crackers in a bag, a rhythm I still hear when I make this today.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with Rice
- Comfort food that’s ready in under an hour
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Great for using leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor
- One-dish convenience for busy weeknights
Ingredients
This casserole comes together with pantry staples and fridge basics. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shredded or cubed chicken (precooked) | 2 cups |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 large can (22 oz) or 2 small cans (10.5 oz each) |
| Minute or quick-cooking rice | 1 cup (uncooked) |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Sour cream | 1 cup |
| Ritz crackers (crushed) | 1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) |
| Butter (melted) | 4 tablespoons |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just trying your hand at casseroles, this dish is simple and forgiving. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and quick-cooking rice. Stir until well mixed.
- Fold in the shredded chicken. I often use leftover baked chicken, but when I’m short on time, a good rotisserie bird from the market does the trick.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until crumbly and golden.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutrition for one serving (based on 8 servings total):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Chef Sofia’s Note
“Ouma and I once made this casserole on a rainy afternoon when school was cancelled. We played cards while it baked, and every time I pull this dish from the oven, I remember her laugh echoing in the kitchen.”
To this day, when I need something familiar, something that feels like home, this ritz cracker chicken casserole with rice is where I turn. It’s not just a meal — it’s a memory served warm with a crispy top.
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ritz cracker chicken casserole with rice
This Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with Rice combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and buttery Ritz crackers for a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups shredded or cubed precooked chicken
Grains
- 1 cup Minute or quick-cooking rice (uncooked)
Dairy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
Soups & Broths
- 1 large can (22 oz) or 2 small cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
Crackers
- 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and uncooked quick-cooking rice. Stir until well blended.
- Add chicken: Fold the shredded or cubed precooked chicken into the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare cracker topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
- Ensure you use quick-cooking rice; regular rice will not cook properly in this recipe.
- Leftover or rotisserie chicken works well and adds convenience.
- Crush Ritz crackers by hand for a rustic topping texture.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to achieve the best consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Tips for the Best Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole with Rice
Over the years, I’ve made this casserole more times than I can count. I’ve also learned a few little tricks along the way to make it just right every time.
- Stick with quick-cooking rice: It’s tempting to grab whatever rice you have on hand, but this recipe is balanced for quick rice. Regular rice will throw off the texture and cook time.
- Crush crackers by hand: Don’t use a food processor. A plastic bag and rolling pin (or your hands!) keep that perfect rustic texture on top.
- Don’t skip the butter: It helps the crackers toast up golden and crisp. That top layer is pure magic.
- Let it sit a few minutes before serving: This helps everything settle so each scoop is creamy and clean, not soupy.
“Mama Lou always said, ‘Let food rest, like a good story. It needs a moment before you share it.’
Serving Suggestions
This ritz cracker chicken casserole with rice stands proudly on its own, but it’s also a great team player at the table. Here are a few things I love to serve with it:
- Simple green beans: Sautéed with a touch of garlic and lemon.
- Roasted carrots: Sweet, earthy, and just a touch caramelized in the oven.
- Crisp side salad: Think romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a creamy ranch dressing.
And for drinks? Sweet tea if it’s summer, or a cold glass of milk if you’re leaning into that retro dinner vibe. I’ve even served this at potlucks with sparkling lemonade — always a hit!
How to Store and Reheat
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully. Just follow these easy steps:
- Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Scoop a portion into a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1–2 minutes, or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven until heated through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole (without crackers) for up to 2 months. Add crackers and bake fresh when ready to eat.
“Ouma used to freeze little portions for me to take to college. I’d pop one in the microwave after a long shift and feel like I was home.”
Make It Your Own
Once you’ve made the original, don’t be afraid to add your own spin. Here are some ideas that work beautifully:
- Add vegetables: Frozen peas, corn, or chopped broccoli go well and boost the nutrition.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of paprika to the filling.
- Use different soups: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery can add a different depth of flavor.
Family, Tradition, and Casserole Night
This ritz cracker chicken casserole with rice is more than a dinner. It’s a Thursday night around a cluttered table. It’s Mama Lou asking how school was. It’s Ouma giggling at how many crackers she managed to crush. It’s the casserole dish that came out when nothing else sounded good — because this always did.
“Food connects us to memory, and this dish ties my heart to three generations of strong, kind women who knew the power of a good meal.”
If you’re craving something a little different but just as comforting, don’t miss our other recipe: Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe — a timeless variation that’s worth a spot in your rotation.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope this casserole finds a place in your family’s traditions just like it did in mine.
