Description
Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring shredded chicken, cooked rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses. Topped with buttery crushed crackers for a golden crunchy finish, this casserole is perfect for an easy dinner or a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (half of 1 cup)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (remaining half of 1 cup)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, ensuring the cream cheese is well incorporated.
- Combine main ingredients: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Mix everything evenly so the ingredients distribute well throughout.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer for baking.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a crunchy topping layer.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cracker topping to add extra cheesy flavor and a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Great for using leftover rotisserie chicken or rice.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas to the mixture for extra vegetables.
- Swap in brown rice for a whole grain, healthier option.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/8 casserole)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
