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Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners. Combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy white rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, this casserole is topped with a crispy buttery Ritz cracker crust, then baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and full of flavorful textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can serve 6 to 8 people.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

  • ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and set it aside.
  2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Add Chicken and Rice: Fold in the cooked shredded or diced chicken and cooked white rice into the creamy mixture, stirring well until the chicken and rice are evenly coated.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread this combined mixture evenly into the prepared greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create a uniform layer.
  5. Prepare the Topping: If using the optional topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to add a crunchy, buttery crust.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. This allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Use cooked chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • You can substitute white rice with brown rice for a slightly healthier option, but the texture may be firmer.
  • The Ritz cracker topping is optional but adds a delicious crunch to the casserole.
  • For a lower-fat version, use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth base.
  • This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/million-dollar-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe/