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Ladies, you've gotta try this one. My Ritz chicken and rice bake is the ultimate in cozy comfort, finished off with an irresistibly crunchy buttery topping. This classic got its start with my mama and now my own kids can't get enough. Best thing is, you probably already have everything you need on hand. It's just right for those nights when you're busy but still want a homemade meal that feels special.
Irresistible Crowd Favorite
Wondering why everyone loves this one so much? There's creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and that show-stopping golden Ritz crunch on top. I switch things up with whatever's in my fridge and it still turns out amazing. Whether I'm sharing on a regular weeknight or showing up to a party, people always ask for seconds.
What You'll Need
- That Crunchy Finish: Melt some butter, crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers, and have some shredded cheddar on hand. That combo makes the whole thing sing.
- Essential Creaminess: Stir in a can of cream of chicken soup and a cup of sour cream for that rich, smooth bite every time.
- Flavor Makers: Sprinkle in your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to boost flavor big time.
- Chicken Power: About 3 cups of cooked chicken, cubed. Rotisserie is my shortcut.
- Rice Goodness: Just make up a box of chicken Rice A Roni—it packs in so much taste.
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Time to Make It Easy
- Finishing Touches
- Toss together Ritz crumbs, cheese, and melted butter. Scatter it all on top after pouring the mix into your dish.
- Oven Ready
- Slide that pan in for about 25 minutes, then hit it with the broiler for a couple minutes so the top turns golden brown.
- Get Set Up
- Crank your oven up to 350°F and coat a 9x13 dish, then get your Rice A Roni going by the package steps.
- Combine Everything
- Dump cooked rice, chicken, sour cream, soup, and all seasonings in a big bowl and stir it all up.
Mix It Up Your Way
Feel like switching things around? I sometimes swap in ground turkey or toss in extra veggies like zucchini and mushrooms. Want to skip the meat? Go all in with just veggies. Try out different rices or sprinkle in your favorite spices. Whatever makes you happy—just have fun with it!
Never Letdown Comfort
This dish saves the day every time. Since you throw it together in just one pan, cleanup is a breeze and nobody can resist the buttery cracker top. The creamy inside means your chicken stays juicy and never dries out. Serving this up always makes me feel like I've got it all together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep this dish in advance?
Totally! Make the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, but save the Ritz topping for right before baking so it stays nice and crunchy. Store it covered in the fridge.
- → What’s the easiest way to cook the chicken?
Grab a rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Boil chicken breasts, use slow cooker-shredded chicken, or even leftover chicken works too!
- → Can this dish go in the freezer?
You can freeze it for up to 2 months! Let it thaw in the fridge the night before baking and as always, add fresh crackers for the topping right before baking.
- → What kind of rice works best?
Rice-A-Roni gives awesome flavor, but regular cooked rice mixed with chicken bouillon works just as well. Stick to 2 cups of cooked rice.
- → How can I prevent burning the topping?
When broiling, keep a close eye as it only takes 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy topping. Skip broiling if you’re unsure, and it’ll still be delicious!