By Ritz Chicken Casserole is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Ritz Chicken Casserole captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Ritz Chicken Casserole becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
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, shredded (shred your own cheese for best melting)
3 cups egg noodles, cooked
5 pounds chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tbsp parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
4 tbsp butter, melted
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
2
In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat
Add celery, bell pepper, and onion
Cook until onion is translucent and pepper/celery are tender, about 5-6 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring to prevent burning.
Reduce heat to medium and add cream of chicken soup and half and half. Stir to combine.
Once heated through, add shredded cheese. Stir until melted.
Add cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Place the Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin. Transfer crushed crackers to a medium bowl.
Stir in melted butter and 1 cup shredded cheddar until well combined.
Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole dish.
Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
