Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole With Ritz Crackers
This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Cracker topping is a creamy, comforting classic that comes together fast thanks to Minute Rice—no precooking required. Finished with a buttery, crunchy Ritz topping, it’s the kind of easy dinner that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for a potluck or Sunday supper.
📌 One bite and you’ll understand why this casserole is a keeper—click to pin the recipe!
Around here, casseroles aren’t just food—they’re comfort in a dish. This one checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, minimal prep, and a cozy, from-scratch feel without the extra work.
Quick Recipe Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Why It Works: Uses Minute Rice for speed and a buttery Ritz cracker topping for crunch
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Fast and fuss-free: Minute Rice cooks right in the casserole, so there’s no extra pot and no waiting.
- Creamy with a crunch: The chicken and rice stay tender and creamy, while the Ritz topping adds that irresistible buttery crunch.
- Perfect for sharing: This is a go-to recipe for potlucks, family dinners, and make-ahead meals.
- Kid- and crowd-approved: Mild flavors, cozy texture, and zero complaints at the table.
Casserole Ingredients
For this simple recipe, you need the following:
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Minute Rice (uncooked rice)
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 30 Ritz crackers, coarsely crushed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
How To Make Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Start by preheating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Spray a cast iron skillet or baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the Minute Rice, diced onion, and shredded chicken until everything is well combined.
- Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared cast iron skillet (or baking dish).
- Toss crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a medium-sized bowl. Spoon over the casserole.
- Place the chicken casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Like chicken? Me, too! Some of my favorite recipes like Massaman Curry with Chicken, cozy Chicken and Dumplings, and a comforting bowl of Chicken Soup.
Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz Crackers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir Minute Rice into soup mixture. Add diced onion and shredded chicken and mix to combine.
- Pour chicken mixture into cast iron skillet or a 9-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Toss crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a medium size bowl. Spoon over the casserole.
- Place the chicken casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Video
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Recipe Notes and Tips
- Minute Rice is key: Regular uncooked rice won’t cook properly in this recipe. Instant rice gives the best texture.
- Drain your chicken well: Especially if using canned or rotisserie chicken, excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
- Rest before serving: A short rest helps the casserole firm up and makes it easier to scoop.
- Double it easily: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 dish.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack before baking.
- Include vegetables: Peas, carrots, or broccoli mix in beautifully.
- Switch the soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery work just as well.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free crackers.
- Change the topping: Cornflakes or buttered panko make great substitutes for Ritz crackers.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat the whole casserole at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
Yes. Assemble the casserole (without the topping), cover, and refrigerate up to one day ahead. Add the Ritz topping just before baking.
No. This recipe is written specifically for Minute Rice. Long-grain uncooked rice won’t cook evenly.
You can freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping, and bake as directed.
Cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs both work well. This is a great way to use rotisserie or meal-prepped chicken.
Last Bite
This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Ritz topping is a true comfort-food classic—creamy, crunchy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to share, this recipe earns its place on repeat.
Leave a comment below and tell me how you made it your own—extra cheese, added veggies, or kept it classic?
Followed recipe exactly and it came out perfect! Making for all the Pre-K teachers and aides where my daughter teaches for the first day of school. It’s always a hectic day and they can take home, pop in the oven and have a meal for their families. Thank you for the recipe!
Thank you for coming back and telling us how it turned out. That is SOOOOO sweet of you to do that for the teachers and aides.
I couldn’t get 5 stars to come up. So that’s why it shows 4 stars. Definitely a 5 star recipe!
Thank you so much! (I was able to add 5 stars on your behalf.)
awesome recipe.
I rather use the egg noodles.rice doesn’t cook very tender. Preparing the noodles. And adding to the casserole.