Ingredients & Preparation Tips
- Chicken Breasts
- Use 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total). You can bake, grill, or pan-cook the chicken.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before cooking. This will give the chicken extra flavor that infuses into the casserole.
- Chicken-Flavored Rice
- Use 2 packs of chicken-flavored rice (like Knorr or another brand). Each pack typically makes about 2 cups when cooked.
- Cook according to package directions, which usually requires water and a small amount of butter or oil.
- Ritz Crackers & Butter Topping
- Use 2 rolls of Ritz crackers (about 60 crackers in total) and crush them well. You can do this by putting them in a resealable bag and rolling a rolling pin over them.
- Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter and mix it thoroughly with the crushed crackers. This buttery topping will create a golden, crispy crust on top of the casserole.
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Use 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of condensed cream of chicken soup. This will add a rich and creamy consistency to the casserole and help bind all the ingredients.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (about 1/2 teaspoon each).
- Cooking Methods:
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Pan-cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil, cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until no longer pink.
- Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
- Follow the package directions for chicken-flavored rice. Once cooked, set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cracker Topping
- Crush 2 rolls of Ritz crackers using a rolling pin. You’re aiming for small crumbs, but not a powder.
- Mix the crushed crackers with 1 cup melted butter in a bowl until thoroughly combined. This mixture should look like wet sand.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Spread this mixture into a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Press it down gently to even out the top.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and you see the edges bubbling slightly.
- If you want a little extra browning, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Let Cool & Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. This will help it set and make serving easier.
- Serve warm, optionally with sides like steamed green beans, a salad, or bread rolls.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- Vegetables: Add frozen or cooked broccoli, peas, carrots, or green beans directly to the casserole mix.
- Cheese: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the chicken and rice mixture for extra creaminess.
- Herbs & Seasonings: If you’d like a bit more flavor, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture.
This Chicken Casserole is a cozy, filling, and easy meal that’s perfect for any weeknight or even for meal prep. Enjoy!