If you’re searching for a dish that’s the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. This casserole effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a decadent dish that tastes like a million bucks while being surprisingly easy to put together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to quickly become a favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe just right is all about using straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the creamy cheeses to the tender chicken and fluffy rice, every element plays a key role in delivering that rich, velvety texture and comforting flavor.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or diced chicken provides hearty protein and a satisfying bite.
- 3 cups cooked white rice: The foundation of the casserole, adding warmth and substance.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Offers a luscious, creamy base for the entire mixture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and moisture to balance the richness.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Enhances creaminess and gives a slight texture contrast.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, stringy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, flavorful depth to the cheesy blend.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: A classic comfort food ingredient that binds everything together with savory richness.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Lightens the mixture slightly and boosts the chicken flavor.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Provides a gentle punch of savory aroma.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to make all the flavors pop.
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional, for topping): A crunchy golden topping that contrasts the creamy interior.
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for topping): Joins forces with the crackers to create a delicious, crisp finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, heat your oven up to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. This prep ensures that your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, giving you that perfectly golden crust every time.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy base is where all the flavors meld beautifully, creating the luscious sauce that makes this dish so irresistibly decadent.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Rice
Next, stir in the cooked chicken and white rice until they’re evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Every bite will be perfectly balanced between tender chicken, fluffy rice, and that rich, cheesy sauce you just made.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the combined mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Don’t be shy—make sure it’s spread out smoothly so it bakes uniformly, giving you that ideal texture all through the casserole.
Step 5: Add the Topping
If you want an extra-special crunchy topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle this golden mixture over the surface. This optional step adds a delightful contrast, making the casserole even more fun to eat.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the oven uncovered and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly all over and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The smell will be heavenly, drawing everyone to the kitchen.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest helps everything set up a little so your portions hold together nicely and the flavors have a chance to meld even further.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole is comforting on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions adds a fresh pop of color and mild brightness to cut through the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe with crisp steamed green beans, a simple mixed green salad, or roasted vegetables. These sides bring crunch and freshness that balance the hearty nature of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole scooped into individual ramekins for a charming presentation, or turn it into a potluck hit by layering it in a slow cooker to keep warm throughout the gathering. Both ideas elevate the experience and make sharing even easier.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It stays creamy and delicious, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
Gently reheat your leftover or thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. For quicker meals, reheating individual portions in the microwave works well too, just be sure to cover loosely to prevent drying.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and slightly firmer texture. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing, and reduce any added cooking liquid to compensate for its heartier nature.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the chicken for cooked mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitutes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy cheese and soup base keep it satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole completely ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole in your baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes mealtime easy without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?
No problem. You can use breadcrumbs, crushed crackers of any kind, or even skip the topping entirely. It still tastes amazing and creamy without the crunch.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or omit the topping. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for safety.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe as I am to share it. It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a bit of indulgence to your dinner table with surprisingly little effort. Once you taste that creamy, cheesy goodness mixed with tender chicken and rice, you’ll know why it’s called “million dollar.” Go ahead, give it a go and watch it become one of your all-time favorite recipes!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-dish meal featuring shredded chicken, tender rice, and a rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheeses. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or potluck, delivering delicious flavor with minimal effort.
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: 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 until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken and Rice: Fold the cooked chicken and cooked rice into the creamy mixture, stirring until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the combined chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Prepare and Add Topping (Optional): If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until coated, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and has a golden-brown top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- You can swap white rice with brown rice for added fiber, but baking time may increase slightly.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- The topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture to the creamy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
