Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This dish is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, combining tender chicken with fluffy rice and a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this casserole delivers big flavor from simple ingredients, truly living up to its glamorous name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet come together to create a dish bursting with creaminess, texture, and flavor. Each item plays an essential role in the balance and richness of this casserole, so having them ready makes the cooking process a breeze.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience and juicy flavor.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: Fluffy rice acts as the perfect base to absorb all the creamy goodness.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened): Adds luscious creaminess that makes the casserole irresistibly rich.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tang and moisture, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping): Sharpness cuts through the cream, giving depth and melty texture.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Binds everything together with that classic creamy, savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: An aromatic boost that enhances the dish’s savory profile.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle touch of heat to round out the seasonings.
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs: Creates a golden, buttery crunch on top.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps the topping brown beautifully and adds richness.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant finish that elevates presentation.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will have that perfect, golden crust when finished.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that will be the heart of your casserole.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Rice, and Cheese
Fold in the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing gently but thoroughly until every spoonful promises flavor and comfort.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This spread will bake into a creamy, cheesy delight that’s both hearty and inviting.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole. If you want an extra cheesy experience, scatter a handful of extra shredded cheddar on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and has turned a beautiful golden brown on top. This step locks in all the flavors and textures you love.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your dish with fresh chopped parsley brings a pop of color and a subtle freshness that brightens the richness of the casserole, making it even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creamy texture with some brightness and crunch. Steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad also complement the dish wonderfully without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner, serve this casserole family-style in the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their own generous portions. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with a small dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality touch at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this casserole stays delicious for up to 3 days, ready for a quick, comforting reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly again, usually about 20 minutes. This revives the creamy, cheesy magic like it was just made.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice or quinoa can add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, making the recipe lighter and still wonderfully satisfying.
Is it okay to use canned chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?
While canned chicken can work in a pinch, shredded cooked chicken offers a fresher texture and better taste, so try to use rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken if possible.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives and choose a vegan cheese. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
Breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or even crushed cornflakes work well for the topping, giving that lovely crunchy, buttery finish on top of the casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 2 days before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just bake it fresh when ready to serve for best results.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that feels like a celebration of simple, flavorful ingredients coming together beautifully. It’s creamy, comforting, and straightforward to make, perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try this heartwarming casserole and add it to your rotation of go-to meals that vanish quickly from the table!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting one-dish meal that combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy white rice, and a decadent mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezer meals, offering a satisfying blend of flavors with a crispy buttery cracker topping and a golden baked finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine main ingredients: Stir the cooked shredded chicken, cooked white rice, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, mixing thoroughly until all components are evenly distributed.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top for an even bake.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this buttery mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Optionally, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save time.
- Substitute brown rice or quinoa for white rice to add more fiber and nutrients or to change the texture.
- This casserole can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- For gluten-free diets, ensure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
