Ritz Chicken Casserole

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our mouthwatering Ritz Chicken Casserole recipe. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, egg noodles, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering with friends, this casserole is guaranteed to steal the show. Plus, with its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a hassle-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with this irresistible recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup of half and half
  • 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for best results, shred your own cheese)
  • 3 cups of cooked egg noodles
  • 1.5 pounds of cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers
  • 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 tablespoons of butter, melted

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add celery, bell pepper, and onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the vegetables are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic to the Dutch oven and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup and half and half until well combined and heated through.
  5. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Mix in the cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken until evenly coated with the sauce.
  7. Season the mixture with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste, and then transfer it to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  8. Place the Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they are finely crushed. Transfer the crushed crackers to a medium bowl.
  9. Stir in the melted butter and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is well combined.
  10. Sprinkle the cracker and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole in the baking dish.
  11. Bake the casserole, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
  13. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible flavors of this comforting Ritz Chicken Casserole with your loved ones!

Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 12

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve the Ritz Chicken Casserole hot from the oven to enjoy its creamy texture and crispy topping at its best.
  2. Garnish each serving with additional chopped parsley for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
  3. Pair the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
  4. Consider serving with a slice of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
  5. This casserole is perfect for potluck gatherings or family dinners, as it can be easily portioned and served to a crowd.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. When reheating, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
  3. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or half and half to the casserole before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
  4. Avoid freezing the casserole as the texture of the noodles and sauce may become compromised upon thawing.
  5. If you anticipate having leftovers, consider assembling the casserole but refrigerating it before baking. Then, bake it when ready to serve for a freshly made meal without the hassle of prep work.

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with an assortment of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version of the casserole.
  2. Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat. You can also top the casserole with sliced pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy punch.
  3. Mexican-Inspired: Incorporate Mexican flavors by seasoning the chicken with taco seasoning and adding a can of diced green chilies to the sauce. Top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips instead of Ritz crackers for a crunchy finish.
  4. Italian Flair: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup and add Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Mix in cooked spaghetti instead of egg noodles and top with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian herbs for a crispy topping.
  5. Buffalo Chicken: Toss the cooked shredded chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the casserole. Drizzle ranch dressing over the finished dish before serving for a classic buffalo chicken flavor.
  6. Broccoli and Cheese: Steam chopped broccoli florets and mix them into the casserole along with the shredded chicken. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese over the top before baking for a cheesy broccoli twist.
  7. Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the celery, bell pepper, and onion for an earthy flavor. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken and add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
  8. Seafood Sensation: Substitute cooked shrimp or canned tuna for the chicken and stir in a handful of frozen peas to the sauce for a seafood-inspired casserole. Top with crushed buttery crackers instead of Ritz crackers for a seafood bake vibe.
  9. Tex-Mex Fusion: Season the chicken with fajita seasoning and mix in black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies for a Tex-Mex twist. Top the casserole with crushed corn chips and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
  10. Healthy Makeover: Use whole wheat egg noodles and reduce the amount of cheese and butter in the recipe for a lighter version. Add extra vegetables such as diced carrots, bell peppers, and spinach to boost the nutritional content.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use store-bought shredded cheese instead of shredding my own? Absolutely! While shredding your own cheese can enhance the melting quality, pre-shredded cheese will still work well in this recipe.
  2. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken breast? Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to the casserole. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and incorporate it into the recipe as directed.
  3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
  4. Can I freeze this casserole? While it’s not recommended to freeze the fully assembled casserole due to the texture of the noodles and sauce upon thawing, you can freeze the cooked shredded chicken and sauce separately. When ready to enjoy, thaw the components in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble and bake the casserole as usual.
  5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, gluten-free egg noodles, and substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the Ritz crackers in the topping.

With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crispy Ritz cracker topping, our Ritz Chicken Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and whip up this irresistible casserole for a satisfying meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!