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
Scale
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
