Ritz Chicken Casserole

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Quick Benefits

Ritz Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With simple ingredients and a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping, this casserole delivers a satisfying, well-rounded dinner that’s easy to prep and even easier to love.

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this rich and hearty casserole:

Main Casserole:

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 cups egg noodles, cooked
• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 tbsp parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 tbsp butter, melted

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Preparation Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a Dutch oven, sauté celery, red bell pepper, and onion in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
4. Lower heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup and half and half. Heat through.
5. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar until melted.
6. Fold in the cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken. Mix well.
7. Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
9. In a bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and 1 cup cheddar. Mix until well coated.
10. Spread topping evenly over the casserole.
11. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
12. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, crunchy deliciousness!

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Health Benefits

While indulgent, this casserole includes a few wholesome perks:

• Chicken breast is lean, high in protein, and keeps you full longer.
• Celery, onions, and bell peppers offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• You can customize this recipe to include low-sodium soups, reduced-fat cheese, or whole wheat noodles to make it lighter without losing flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot, straight from the oven. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light dusting of paprika on top for color.
• Pair with:
  • Steamed green beans or broccoli
  • A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
  • Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
• Ideal for:
  • Family dinners
  • Meal prep
  • Potlucks and gatherings

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Creative Variations

• Add broccoli florets, peas, or mushrooms for more veggies.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Spice it up with jalapeños, chili flakes, or pepper jack cheese.
• Replace Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even potato chips for a different texture.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
• Freeze before baking (without cracker topping) for up to 2 months. Add topping and bake when ready to serve.

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Pro Tips

• Cook noodles al dente — they’ll continue to soften in the oven.
• If your mixture is too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or more half and half.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned or leftover chicken?
A: Yes! Canned chicken or rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble it (without the topping), refrigerate, and bake within 24 hours. Add the cracker topping right before baking.

Q: What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
A: Try panko, crushed pretzels, buttery breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes.

Q: Can I use different noodles?
A: Yes, penne, rotini, or bowties all work well — just avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

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Nutrition Facts (Per serving, approx. 8 servings)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g

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