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
Scale
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
