Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’ve been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, look no further than the Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe. This casserole blends tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice into one irresistible bake that’s both cozy and indulgent. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the casserole’s creamy, comforting character. From the tender chicken to the buttery cracker topping, every component adds its own delicious note to this beloved dish.
- Chopped cooked chicken: Provides the hearty, protein-packed base for the casserole, making it filling and flavorful.
- Cooked rice: Offers a soft, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese mixture and binds everything together.
- Cream cheese: Adds rich creaminess and a subtle tang that elevates the overall flavor.
- Cottage cheese: Brings a slight thickness and additional protein, while keeping the casserole light and moist.
- Sour cream: Gives a smooth, tangy depth that balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup: Infuses savory moisture and a comforting chicken flavor throughout the dish.
- Garlic powder: A subtle but essential seasoning that enhances the savory notes.
- Dried onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic quality that rounds out the spices.
- Ritz crackers (crushed): Creates a buttery, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers beneath.
- Butter (melted): Binds the cracker topping together and ensures it browns perfectly during baking.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole won’t stick, making it easier to serve and clean up after. Setting the stage like this helps everything cook evenly and come out perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream cheese (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing), cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. This mixture is the heart of the casserole—it’s creamy, savory, and full of comforting textures. Spread it evenly into your prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer that will bake into a luscious filling.
Step 3: Create the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. This combination is pure magic because the butter makes the crackers crisp up nicely, adding a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts brilliantly with the creamy base beneath. Evenly sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the chicken and rice layer.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt fully, the flavors will meld together, and the cracker topping will become perfectly golden and crispy. Keep an eye on the color of the topping during the last 10 minutes to make sure it browns just right without burning.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Once your casserole comes out of the oven, fresh garnishes can brighten and complement its creamy richness. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a fresh, mild herbal note. A few thin slices of green onion also add a subtle sharpness that balances the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe stands well on its own, but pairing it with light sides can round out the meal. Simple steamed vegetables, like green beans or broccoli, add a crisp, fresh contrast to the creamy casserole. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, cutting through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can transform this classic casserole by serving it in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch—perfect for dinner parties or family meals. Another fun idea is layering it in a glass casserole dish so guests can see the creamy base with that golden cracker crust on top. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually develop further after resting, making leftovers just as delicious—if not more. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently to enjoy the cozy comfort all over again.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, prepare the casserole fully but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual to ensure even cooking and creamy texture.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350ºF oven until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. This helps keep the topping crisp and the filling creamy without drying out. Microwaving is convenient but can soften the topping, so try the oven method when you can.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just make sure to chop it finely and remove the skin for the best casserole texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
While the classic recipe relies on creamy cheeses and sour cream, you can swap with dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and non-dairy milk-based soups. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Diced cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms are wonderful additions and will boost the nutrient content while adding new textures and flavors.
How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Adding a touch of grated Parmesan cheese to the crushed crackers before sprinkling on top can create an extra crispy, cheesy crust that takes the casserole up a notch.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
You can use any buttery crackers or even crushed buttery breadcrumbs. The key is to have a topping that crisps up nicely and brings that buttery flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe is a true gem that blends simplicity and flavor into a meal that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your soul. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is an easy, trustworthy winner that delivers every single time. Give it a try, and prepare to make it a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of cheeses and cream soup, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken & Rice Mixture
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 cups cooked rice
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix main ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and dried onion powder. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer for even cooking.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, mixing well to coat all cracker crumbs.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and rice layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of dried parsley or paprika to the chicken mixture.
- Use freshly cooked rice for best texture; day-old rice may be a bit dry.
- If preferred, substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to blend smoothly in the mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
