- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped celery, red bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half and half, and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed and the cheese is melted into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Noodles: In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, cooked noodles, and cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is well-coated and evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with additional sharp cheddar cheese, if desired, for an extra cheesy crust.
- Top with Ritz Crackers: Crush about 1 ½ cups of Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a crispy, golden topping when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage
This Ritz Chicken Casserole is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep! Here’s how to serve and store it:
- Serving: Serve the casserole hot from the oven as the main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It’s a comforting and filling meal on its own, but pairs nicely with simple sides like garlic bread or steamed green beans.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This casserole also reheats well, so it’s perfect for meal prep! To reheat, just place it in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your Ritz Chicken Casserole:
- Shred the Chicken: For an even easier version, you can shred the chicken instead of dicing it. Shredded chicken will blend nicely into the casserole and make each bite extra tender.
- Make it Lighter: If you prefer a lighter version of this casserole, you can substitute the half and half with low-fat milk or a dairy-free option like almond milk. You can also use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup and cheese.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the bell pepper and celery for other vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Ritz Crackers Variation: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use any buttery crackers or even crushed cornflakes for the topping. The crunch factor is essential!
Variations
If you want to change things up, here are a few variations of the Ritz Chicken Casserole that you can try:
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick! You can also top the casserole with crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Casserole: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly casserole. You can replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup to keep it veggie-centric.
- Creamy Pesto Chicken Casserole: Add a couple of tablespoons of pesto sauce to the cheese mixture for a fresh, herby twist. This variation works great if you’re craving something a bit more aromatic.
- Gluten-Free Version: To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free crackers for the topping. Be sure to check the soup for gluten as well, or opt for a gluten-free cream soup variety.
Conclusion
Ritz Chicken Casserole is a perfect comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing a meal for guests, or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy on a cold evening, this casserole is always a winner. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery Ritz cracker topping make for a