Chicken Of The Ritz
Creamy and crunchy chicken casserole featuring tender cooked chicken in a savory sauce topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream of chicken soup and sour cream together in a bowl.
- Stir in the cooked chicken pieces.
- Mix the Ritz crackers with melted margarine until coated.
- Pour the chicken mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Top with the cracker and margarine mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, ensure the sour cream is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken if desired, and for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you prefer more crunch, consider adding some chopped nuts to the Ritz cracker topping to enhance the texture. This dish also works well with other canned soups like cream of mushroom.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Of The Ritz with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, pair it with mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings, and it pairs beautifully with American recipes like Paula Arbuckle's Corn Chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but the topping may lose its crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Of The Ritz contains roughly 359 calories, with 7g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 862mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this recipe?
Using raw chicken isn't recommended for this dish as it requires pre-cooked chicken to ensure safety and proper texture. If you have raw chicken, consider cooking it first by boiling or baking, then shredding it before mixing it with the soup and sour cream.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Chicken Of The Ritz gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers. There are many great options available that can provide a similar texture and flavor. Additionally, double-check that the cream of chicken soup you use is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and the cracker topping separately ahead of time. Assemble the dish in the baking pan, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).