Description
A comforting and creamy casserole featuring chicken, cheesy Rice-A-Roni, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole combines savory flavors with ease, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Chicken Base
- 1 (7.2-oz) box chicken Rice-A-Roni
- 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
Dairy Mixture
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
Topping
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Rice-A-Roni: Prepare the chicken Rice-A-Roni according to the package instructions, then set aside.
- Mix Dairy Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, and softened cream cheese until smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Rice: Stir in the cooked, chopped chicken and the prepared Rice-A-Roni into the dairy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the creamy chicken and rice mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, smoothing the surface.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well to coat the crackers.
- Add Topping and Cheese: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese for a flavorful crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- The cracker topping adds a delightful crunch; avoid skipping it for texture contrast.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve, adding extra baking time if cold from fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
