Looking for a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Ritz Chicken Casserole! Packed with savory flavors and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy Ritz crackers creates a mouthwatering flavor experience.
- With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- This casserole is versatile and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredient Notes:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Celery, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic: These aromatic vegetables provide a flavorful base for the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup and half and half: Create a creamy and luscious sauce.
- Sharp cheddar: Adds a cheesy goodness to the casserole.
- Egg noodles: Serve as the base for the casserole.
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast: Adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh and herbaceous note.
- Salt, pepper, Ritz crackers, sharp cheddar, and butter: For the topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté celery, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic until softened.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup and half and half until smooth.
- Add sharp cheddar and stir until melted.
- Mix in cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with crushed Ritz crackers, sharp cheddar, and melted butter.
- Bake until bubbly and golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- For a healthier version, swap out the cream of chicken soup for a lighter alternative.
- Add your favorite vegetables or herbs to customize the dish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Shred your own cheese for the best melting quality.
- Cook the egg noodles until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Ritz Chicken Casserole with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a perfect dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, cover the casserole dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken breast? Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option that works well in this recipe.
- Can I freeze this casserole? While this casserole can be frozen, the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing.
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a unique twist.
Conclusion:
Get ready to indulge in a comforting and flavorful meal with this Ritz Chicken Casserole. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and share your feedback with us!
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Ritz Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Ritz Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish loaded with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a cheesy Ritz cracker topping. It’s the perfect easy weeknight meal for the whole family to enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 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
Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 1 cup sharp cheddar shredded
- 4 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté celery, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in olive oil until softened.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a bowl, combine sautéed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, half and half, cheddar cheese, cooked noodles, shredded chicken, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare Topping: Crush Ritz crackers and mix with cheddar cheese and melted butter.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the casserole mixture in a baking dish and top with the Ritz cracker topping.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the type of cheese for a different flavor profile.
- You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg