Creamy Chicken Ritz Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Ritz Delight casserole! This dish combines tender, diced chicken with a rich and creamy blend of soups and sour cream, complemented by crunchy water chestnuts and fluffy rice. Topped with a golden layer of buttery crushed Ritz crackers and a sprinkle of poppy seeds, this casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Serve it hot and watch everyone come back for seconds!
8
Servings
310
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced cooked chicken
2-3 cups (Cooked and diced)
Cream of chicken soup
1 can (Condensed)
Cream of mushroom soup
1 can (Condensed)
Sour cream
16 ounces (Plain)
Ritz crackers
2 packages (Crushed)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Cooked rice
1 cup (Any type, cooked)
Water chestnuts
1 cup (Chopped)
Lemon pepper
1 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
1 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Poppy seeds
To taste (Sprinkled on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream until smooth.
3
Stir in the cooked rice, chopped water chestnuts, lemon pepper, and Mrs. Dash seasoning mix until evenly distributed.
4
Grease a 13" x 9" baking pan and line the bottom with the diced cooked chicken, spreading it out evenly.
5
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring it covers the chicken thoroughly.
6
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then mix until the crackers are well coated.
7
Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
8
Garnish with poppy seeds to add a delightful crunch and flavor.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
22g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Ritz Delight?
It is a comfort food casserole that combines tender chicken with a creamy soup and sour cream mixture, topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient option for this dish.
What type of rice should I use?
You can use any type of cooked rice, such as long-grain white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the mixture?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 cup of already cooked rice.
What size baking pan is required?
A standard 13-inch by 9-inch greased baking pan is recommended.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream if you prefer a different tang or slightly higher protein.
What purpose do the water chestnuts serve?
Water chestnuts provide a unique and delightful crunch to the creamy texture of the casserole.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 310 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 18 grams of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 13 grams of protein per serving.
Can I use different types of condensed soup?
Yes, you can substitute cream of celery or cream of onion for the cream of mushroom or chicken soups.
What is Mrs. Dash seasoning?
Mrs. Dash is a brand of salt-free seasoning blend that adds flavor without adding extra sodium.
Is there a substitute for lemon pepper?
If you do not have lemon pepper, you can use a mix of black pepper and a bit of lemon zest.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time, then add the cracker topping just before baking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole. For best results, freeze without the cracker topping and add it fresh before baking.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to crisp the crackers again, or use a microwave for a quick meal.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
While Ritz crackers provide the signature buttery flavor, you could use Saltines or breadcrumbs in a pinch.
What can I serve as a side dish?
This dish pairs well with a green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans.
How much butter is used in the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter to coat the crushed Ritz crackers.
Are the poppy seeds necessary?
Poppy seeds are used as a garnish for flavor and crunch, but they can be omitted if you do not have them.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes, adding peas, carrots, or chopped broccoli to the soup mixture is a great way to include more vegetables.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, Ritz crackers and most condensed soups contain gluten. You would need to use gluten-free alternatives for those items.
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work well; just ensure the chicken is cooked and diced before adding it to the pan.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?
Keep an eye on the oven; if the crackers are browning too fast, you can lightly tent the pan with foil.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, its mild, creamy flavor and crunchy topping usually make it a big hit with children.
How many Ritz cracker packages are needed?
The recipe requires 2 packages of Ritz crackers, which should be crushed before mixing with butter.