Description
Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender chicken, flavorful Rice-A-Roni, and a rich blend of sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and melted cheddar cheese, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (7.2-oz) box chicken Rice-A-Roni
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Rice-A-Roni: Prepare the chicken Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions, which typically involves boiling the pasta with seasoning until tender and flavorful.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, and softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
- Add Chicken and Rice: Stir the chopped cooked chicken and the prepared Rice-A-Roni into the creamy mixture, blending all ingredients evenly for a consistent taste throughout.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, creating a uniform layer for baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined to form a flavorful crumb topping.
- Add Topping and Cheese: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the dish is bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the topping is golden brown for a deliciously crispy finish.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein addition.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and smoother.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- For a lower sodium version, use reduced sodium soup and adjust additional salt accordingly.
- Crushed crackers can be replaced with breadcrumbs for a different topping texture.
