Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping – Easy Weeknight Dinner

A couple of winters ago, I stumbled across a faded recipe card tucked into the back of a local church fundraiser cookbook at a thrift store in Hendersonville. The title read: “Chicken and Rice Delight with Buttery Cracker Crunch.” It sounded humble but comforting, and the ingredient list was pure Southern pantry magic, simple, familiar, and designed to feed a hungry crowd.

That same evening, I gave it a shot, layering creamy chicken and rice beneath a golden Ritz cracker crust. The moment it came out of the oven, bubbling at the corners and smelling like a warm hug, I knew I had found a keeper. Since then, I’ve tweaked it to suit my own taste, added sour cream for extra creaminess, used sharp cheddar for bite, and started sharing it with friends at potlucks and chilly Friday game nights.

If you love creamy, cozy comfort food with just the right bit of crunch, this Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping might just find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s fast, filling, family-approved, and it reheats like a dream.

Let’s dig into why this casserole earns repeat requests from anyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Ritz Cracker Casserole

This recipe is more than just a meal, it’s a cozy casserole that solves dinner fast and with flair. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Creamy and crunchy in every bite thanks to the rich base and golden Ritz topping.
• Pantry-friendly ingredients that don’t require a trip to a specialty store.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors that win over picky eaters and grown-ups alike.
• Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Bakes in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a new neighbor, or just a quiet night in, this buttery Ritz chicken bake never disappoints.

Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping Ingredients

Get your measuring cups ready and grab these classic comfort food staples:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie or poached both work)
• 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice (not instant rice)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, condensed
• 1 cup sour cream, full-fat for best flavor
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

These ingredients create a creamy base that pairs beautifully with the salty crunch of the cracker topping. Make sure your cooked chicken and rice are fully cooled before mixing for best results.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping

This creamy chicken rice casserole comes together in just a few quick steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
4. In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated, then sprinkle over the casserole.
5. Top with the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden topping. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

If you love cozy dinners with little cleanup and tons of flavor, you’ll also enjoy this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake, which brings together tender chicken and fluffy rice in a single dish.

Serving Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping

This casserole is rich and filling, so pairing it with something light and fresh is always a good idea. Here are a few easy ways to serve it:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy base.
• Steamed broccoli or green beans add color and fiber to the plate.
• Serve with a slice of crusty bread to scoop up every creamy, cheesy bite.
• For added color, sprinkle fresh parsley or sliced green onions over the top.

It’s an ideal potluck or holiday dish too, since it stays warm and satisfying even after sitting on the table a bit.

At home, it’s great with a bowl of Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup on chilly nights for the ultimate comfort duo.

Variations on Ritz Chicken and Rice Casserole

This buttery Ritz chicken bake is versatile. Here are some simple tweaks to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or canned chicken if that’s what you have.
• Add vegetables: Stir in 1 cup of frozen peas, broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.
• Use different cheese: Mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne, a teaspoon of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
• Go low-carb: Swap cooked rice for riced cauliflower (pre-cooked and drained well).

For a flaky twist on a comfort classic, this Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust offers similar warmth in a crusted form.

Storing and Reheating Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is just as good reheated as it is fresh. Here’s how to store and warm it:

• Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
• Reheat: Warm covered in a 325°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

If you plan on freezing, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking but hold off on the cracker topping until you’re ready to cook. That keeps the texture crisp.

For more protein-packed meal ideas that store well, check out this recipe for Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Ritz Casserole

Use these tips to make sure every casserole turns out creamy, golden, and crave-worthy:

• Shred your own cheese for best melt and flavor, it avoids the anti-caking agents in pre-shredded bags.
• Don’t skip the sour cream, which balances the richness of the soup and adds body.
• Crush crackers just before baking to keep them from getting soggy.
• Use cooked, cooled rice and chicken to avoid excess moisture.
• Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it slices cleanly and stays creamy.

These little details make a big difference when aiming for creamy chicken rice casserole perfection.

Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken and Rice Casserole

Even simple casseroles have their pitfalls. Watch for these common issues:

• Using undercooked rice or chicken: This recipe assumes both are fully cooked before mixing.
• Over-salting: Since the soup and crackers are already salty, avoid adding more until you taste.
• Too much moisture: Don’t add milk or broth unless the rice mixture looks dry before baking.
• Uneven topping: Spread the Ritz mixture evenly so each bite gets golden crunch.
• Skipping the rest time: Cutting too early can make it look runny, let it set before serving.

Following the right ratios and steps will reward you with a casserole that’s creamy, cohesive, and full of texture.

Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping: Final Thoughts

Sometimes it’s the simplest recipes that steal the show. This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping delivers familiar flavors, satisfying texture, and a cozy warmth that never gets old.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight and comforting enough for guests, what more could you want in a dinner?

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest or share it with a fellow comfort food lover. Good food’s even better when it’s passed around.

FAQ Section

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect here. Just shred it and stir it in cold, it will warm up beautifully as it bakes.

What type of rice is best for Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping?

Use long-grain white rice. It holds its texture without turning mushy. Avoid instant or short-grain rice for best results.

Can I make Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble everything (except the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the topping right before baking.

What can I substitute for Ritz crackers in Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping?

Crushed cornflakes, buttered panko breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions are great alternatives. Just keep the topping buttery for crunch.

Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Topping – Easy Weeknight Dinner

Author: Ellie Cooking Method: Casserole