Simple Million Dollar Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe That Dazzles

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar chicken and rice casserole that promises a culinary adventure.

Whispers of creamy goodness blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces.

Rich ingredients mingle, creating a symphonic experience on your plate.

Hearty home cooking takes an unexpected twist with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel more special and indulgent.

Cheesy layers and perfectly seasoned elements guarantee smiles around the table.

Let’s uncover the magic that makes this casserole a true dinner champion.

Why Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Is So Loved

• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults, making it a perfect meal for picky eaters and comfort food lovers.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weeknight dinners, this casserole transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that everyone will adore.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Requires minimal prep time and uses convenient pantry staples, allowing busy home cooks to serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredient List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the heart of this comforting casserole.
• Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth and rich ingredient that adds creamy texture.
• Cottage Cheese: Soft cheese that brings extra creaminess.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy component that enhances overall richness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy sauce that binds all ingredients together.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the dish's flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth.

• Crackers: Crunchy topping that provides a crispy texture.
• Butter: Helps crackers brown and adds richness to the casserole.

Steps to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked rice
• Cream cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cream of chicken soup

Stir everything together until well blended and smooth.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed buttery crackers
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this crispy mixture over the top of the chicken and rice base, creating a delightful golden crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become bubbly and appetizing.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, crunchy delight you’ve just created.

Tips for a Creamy and Flavorful Casserole

• Use full-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese for richer, creamier texture that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Crush crackers just before topping to maintain crispy texture and prevent soggy breadcrumbs during baking.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover turkey, or shredded pork for versatile meal options that suit different preferences.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe, perfectly cooked protein.
• Assemble casserole night before, refrigerate, and bake next day for convenient, time-saving meal preparation.

Storage and Reheat Instructions for Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 350ºF, cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Tasty Pairings for Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Chardonnay perfectly balances the creamy casserole with its buttery notes and light acidity, cutting through the rich cheese flavors.
• Fresh Herbal Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the heavy casserole and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Roasted Vegetable Complement: Serve garlic-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts alongside the dish to add a crisp, slightly charred vegetable element that enhances the casserole's creamy texture.
• Zesty Pickle Garnish: Add quick-pickled cucumbers or dill pickles on the side to introduce a tangy, bright flavor that cuts through the dish's richness and provides a crunchy counterpoint.

Flavor Upgrades for Million Dollar Casserole

• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Replace regular crackers with gluten-free crackers and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use low-fat cream cheese to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable cream soup and maintaining original cheese and seasoning blend.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace dairy components with coconut cream cheese, almond milk cottage cheese, and dairy-free sour cream alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie, grilled, or leftover chicken. Shredded or cubed chicken works best for this casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. It’s perfect for making in advance and reheating later.

• Can I make this gluten-free?

Swap regular crackers for gluten-free crackers and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Mix in frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped spinach before baking. These vegetables blend well with the creamy texture and add extra nutrition.

Million Dollar Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Million dollar chicken and rice casserole brings comfort straight from Southern kitchens, blending creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Cheesy, golden layers promise a delightful meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 4 cups cooked rice
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix shredded chicken, cooked rice, softened cream cheese, creamy cottage cheese, tangy sour cream, aromatic spices, and condensed cream soup in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
2. Transfer the creamy mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure uniform coverage.
3. Crush buttery crackers into fine, textured crumbs and blend with melted butter until the mixture resembles a golden, crumbly topping.
4. Delicately scatter the buttery cracker crumbs across the surface of the chicken and rice mixture, creating a crisp, inviting layer.
5. Position the casserole in a preheated oven set to 350°F, allowing the dish to bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges become gloriously bubbly and the cracker topping transforms into a rich, golden-brown crust.
6. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the intense flavors to meld and the texture to settle before serving.

Notes

• Cheese Swap: Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for celiac-friendly version.
• Veggie Boost: Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or frozen mixed vegetables to increase nutritional value and add color.
• Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with rotisserie turkey, shredded tofu, or cooked white fish for diverse protein options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg