Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort food dishes: Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole! This delightful dish has become a staple in my home, and it’s not just for its creamy goodness. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to my childhood when my mom would whip up something similar on chilly evenings after school. The smell would waft through the house, wrapping me in a warm hug before I even took the first bite. It’s cozy, filling, and just downright delicious!
What I love most about this casserole is how incredibly easy it is to make. Even on a busy weeknight, I can whip this up in no time! The combination of tender chicken, rich creaminess, and that unforgettable buttery crunch from the Ritz crackers—it’s like a symphony for your taste buds. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. I can already hear my friends raving about it, reminding me to bring it the next time we have a potluck! Let’s dive into how to make this fantastic dish so you can share it with your own crowd.
What’s in Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole?
Let’s talk about the star players in this casserole and why they make it so special:
Cooked Chicken: I usually shred or dice some rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken will work wonderfully. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the backbone of the dish, adding a rich, creamy texture without much fuss. I tend to go for the low-sodium variety, just to keep things healthier.
Sour Cream: It gives the casserole that creamy, tangy kick. Plus, it helps to balance the flavors.
Milk: A splash of milk helps to keep things nice and creamy while also thinning out the soup.
Celery and Onion: These vegetables add a bit of crunch and great flavor to the mixture. If you’re not a fan of onions, feel free to scale back.
Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, and Salt: These spices enhance the flavor profile of the casserole. Because, who doesn’t love garlic?
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This is where things get delightfully cheesy! The cheddar adds a sharpness that complements the creaminess perfectly.
Crushed Ritz Crackers: The pièce de résistance! They not only provide that buttery crunch but also act as a delicious topping that everyone will be fighting over.
Butter: It’s melted and combined with those crackers for the ultimate rich flavor and crunch!
Is Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about whether this dish is a health superstar or more of an indulgent occasion treat.
Cooked Chicken: Packed with protein, chicken is always a great choice for a filling meal. It can help you feel satisfied and full!
Cream of Chicken Soup and Sour Cream: These ingredients do add some calories and fat, but they also contribute to the creamy dreaminess that makes this casserole special. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can opt for low-fat alternatives!
Cheddar Cheese: While cheese is a good source of calcium, it’s also high in fat and calories, so moderation is key here. The flavor of cheddar is strong enough that you don’t need as much!
Overall, this casserole is more of a “once-in-a-while” dish rather than a daily staple, but boy is it worth it for those special occasions!
Ingredients
– 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup celery, chopped
– 1/2 cup onion, chopped
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (approximately 1 1/2 sleeves)
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
*Serves 6-8, depending on appetite and side dishes.*
How to Make Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole?
Ready to make this amazing casserole? Let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Trust me; you don’t want it to stick!
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, chopped celery, chopped onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until everything is evenly combined—get in there and use those muscles!
3. Stir 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture. Don’t be afraid to be generous with this!
4. Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. You want every bite to have that creamy goodness.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are nicely coated.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture in the baking dish and then layer on that buttery Ritz cracker topping.
7. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown. Your whole house is going to smell divine!
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me; you don’t want to burn your taste buds off!
Perfecting your Casserole Experience!
Here are some fun tips and variations to elevate your casserole game:
– Add some veggies! Peas, corn, or even spinach can be mixed into the chicken mixture for extra nutrition.
– Swap the cheese! Try using pepper jack or mozzarella for a little kick.
– Spice it up! If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
– Pair it with a side salad for a colorful dinner plate.
I can’t stress enough how much I hope you give this Creamy Ritz Chicken Casserole a try! It’s comforting, easy to make, and will win over any crowd. Once you take that first forkful, I guarantee you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in my heart. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite tunes, and get cookin’! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
