Ritz Chicken Casserole

This Ritz chicken casserole is one of those wonderfully simple, crowd-pleasing dishes that always hits the spot. With just a few pantry staples and cooked chicken—rotisserie or leftover—this creamy, buttery bake is on the table in no time.

A can of cream of chicken soup brings the creamy richness, while onion and garlic powders add savory depth. The topping of crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter turns crisp and golden in the oven, making every bite satisfyingly crunchy and creamy. Serve it with a salad, vegetable sides, or spoon it over rice or toast points for an effortless dinner.

Steps to Make Ritz Chicken Casserole

1. Crush the crackers and mix them with melted butter until evenly coated.
2. Combine the cooked chicken with soup, seasonings, and herbs in a bowl.
3. Spread the chicken mixture in a buttered casserole dish and top with the cracker mixture.
4. Bake until the topping is golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.
5. Let it rest briefly before serving so it sets slightly.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetables: Sauté diced onions and celery until softened, then add them to the filling mixture before baking.
• Mushrooms: Add a small can of sliced mushrooms (drained) or 4 to 6 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms sautéed in butter or olive oil.
• Turkey: Make the casserole with leftover diced turkey.
• Ham: Add 1 cup of diced ham to the chicken filling for smoky flavor.
• Bacon: Add a few tablespoons of fried crumbled bacon to the filling for crunch and richness.

What to Serve with Ritz Chicken Casserole

• Salad: A tangy slaw or simple green salad with vinaigrette would complement the richness of the casserole.
• Potatoes: These fried smashed potatoes would be great with the casserole, or you might like these sweet potato fries or air fryer roasted potatoes.
• Rice: Serve it over rice. Try this never-fail Instant Pot rice or this savory cauliflower rice.
• Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or peas provide a colorful contrast and complement the chicken nicely.

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