If you love the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie but want a quicker, fuss-free twist, you are going to adore this Chicken Pot Pie Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender chunks of chicken, creamy soup, cheesy goodness, and that iconic savory rice blend all baked under a golden, buttery cracker crust. This dish is pure comfort food magic, perfect for family dinners or when you want an impressive meal with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to casserole for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating that cozy, hearty texture and rich flavor that makes this casserole a standout. From the nutty, seasoned chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni to the creamy combination of sour cream and soup, every element brings delicious harmony to the dish.
- Chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni: The star carb base that infuses the casserole with a toasty, seasoned rice and pasta blend.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds luscious creaminess and savory depth, making the dish smooth and irresistible.
- Sour cream: Brings tangy richness and helps bind the casserole together flawlessly.
- Garlic powder: A punch of subtle aromatic warmth enhancing the overall flavor.
- Onion powder: Complements the garlic with a mild sweetness and savory background notes.
- Cooked chopped chicken: Protein-packed and tender, turning this into a filling, satisfying meal.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful, nutritious component adding texture and freshness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy pockets, providing gooey, cheesy comfort.
- Butter: Melted butter ensures the cracker topping crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed to create a golden, buttery crust that gives the casserole a delightful crunch.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350º F to get it nice and hot for baking your casserole. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so that the finished casserole comes out easily and nothing sticks to the sides.
Step 2: Cook the Rice-A-Roni
Prepare the chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions. This step is crucial because the seasoned rice will infuse your casserole with those signature warm, savory notes that define our dish.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine the unsalted cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cooked chopped chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add in the cooked rice mixture from Step 2 and stir everything together until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This creamy filling is where the magic happens, blending the rich, mild tanginess and hearty ingredients seamlessly.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the rice and chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This ensures each bite will have the perfect balance of rice, chicken, and vegetables.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture generously over the casserole. This topping will bake into a perfectly crispy, golden crust that beautifully contrasts the creamy filling beneath.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the topping to turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, it’s ready to serve hot and fresh from the oven.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled over the top add a pop of color and fresh brightness to the rich casserole. A little cracked black pepper on top just before serving gives it a hint of spice and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully hearty on its own, but serving it alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans offers a nice balance of freshness and crunch to the meal. Roasted root vegetables also pair nicely for an extra comforting plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation that feels special. You could also customize the topping by mixing in some grated Parmesan or herbs for an extra flavor kick. If you want to impress guests, set up a casual casserole bar with sides like fresh bread, pickles, and assorted cheeses to round out the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the casserole has cooled completely, cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well thanks to the creamy filling and tender chicken, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
This Chicken Pot Pie Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it before freezing. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen by adding an additional 20-25 minutes to the baking time and ensuring it’s heated through.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350º F until heated through. To keep the topping crisp, consider reheating uncovered, but if it starts to dry out, loosely tent with foil.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn work well. Just be sure to steam or lightly cook them beforehand to ensure they are tender when the casserole finishes baking.
Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives, and use a plant-based cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful while accommodating dietary needs.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the chicken with cooked extra vegetables or plant-based protein substitutes. Using vegetable broth-based Rice-A-Roni and cream of mushroom soup can help retain richness and depth.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?
Crushed breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers can also create a delicious crunchy topping. Simply mix them with melted butter before sprinkling over the casserole.
Is it possible to double this recipe for bigger gatherings?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two standard ones. Bake times may need to be adjusted slightly, so check for bubbly edges and a golden topping to know when it’s done.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pot Pie Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful comfort food with minimal hassle. It brings together classic flavors in a simple, cozy casserole that tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers delicious results every time. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Chicken Pot Pie Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Pot Pie Rice-a-Roni Casserole combines the comforting flavors of classic chicken pot pie with the convenience of Rice-A-Roni. Layers of savory chicken, mixed vegetables, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers create a hearty and satisfying casserole perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1¼ cups sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 (12-oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Rice-A-Roni: Prepare the chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s fully cooked and fluffy.
- Mix casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and shredded cheddar cheese. Fold in the cooked rice to create a well-combined mixture.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the rice and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare and add topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered at 350º F for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time.
- Feel free to use fresh vegetables if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Crushed crackers can be replaced with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers of another type for variation in the topping.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
