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If you’re searching for a dish that’s irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors, look no further than this Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe. It’s a brilliant twist on a classic, bringing together tender chicken, savory Rice-A-Roni, and a luscious blend of cheeses and creamy soups that bake up into a golden, bubbly delight. This casserole is the perfect crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, potlucks, or just elevating your weeknight dinner game with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Every component is thoughtfully chosen to add creaminess, cheesiness, or that satisfying crispy topping.
- Chicken Rice-A-Roni (1 box): The base of the casserole, this brings hearty rice with savory seasoning that infuses the dish with wonderful flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can): Adds creamy richness and depth, making every bite velvety smooth.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings tangy creaminess that brightens the overall flavor.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Adds a slight texture contrast and extra creaminess for a luscious body.
- Cream cheese (1 package, softened): Creates a silky, indulgent texture that binds everything perfectly.
- Cooked, chopped chicken (2 cups): The star protein—juicy, tender, and comforting.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melts into gooey goodness and creates that mouthwatering golden top.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Gives a buttery, crunchy topping that’s pure magic paired with the cheese.
- Melted butter (¼ cup): Binds the cracker topping and adds rich flavor.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses subtle savory notes that elevate the casserole’s profile.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and provides balance.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out clean and gorgeous after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Rice-A-Roni
Prepare the chicken Rice-A-Roni according to the package instructions. This blends perfectly with the creamy ingredients later and delivers a seasoned rice base that’s absolutely essential in this Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, and softened cream cheese until the mixture is silky smooth and fully combined. This creamy mixture is what makes this casserole so indulgent and delicious.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Rice Mixture
Add the cooked, chopped chicken and the prepared Rice-A-Roni to your creamy mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so each bite will have a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Step 5: Layer and Sprinkle the Topping
Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then, in a smaller bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this crumbly, buttery topping evenly over the casserole, then finish with shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your casserole for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese has melted and turned a gorgeous golden brown. This final baking step is where all the flavors meld into one unforgettable dish that really lives up to the name Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole before serving. These little pops of green contrast beautifully with the golden cheese crust and add a subtle herby note that brightens the dish.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully to balance the richness of this casserole. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also complement the creamy texture with their fresh crunch and mild bitterness.
Creative Ways to Present
This casserole can be served in individual ramekins for a charming look at dinner parties or wrapped up in warm tortillas for a “casserole taco” twist. Leftover slices can also be reheated and served alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a cozy treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the casserole has completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Freezing
The Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in airtight containers or heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the top crispy and the interior creamy. You can also microwave single portions, but the oven is best for maintaining texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works wonderfully in this casserole, saving you time cooking chicken from scratch.
Is it okay to substitute cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile, but cream of chicken is classic for this recipe’s signature taste.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply skip the chicken and add extra cheddar or some sautéed mushrooms and veggies for a hearty, meat-free version.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?
The combination of crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and seasonings sprinkled before baking creates that perfect golden, crunchy crust that everyone loves.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free rice mix in place of Rice-A-Roni and substitute gluten-free crackers for the topping—you’ll still get all the creamy, cheesy goodness without gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe is truly one of those unforgettable dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a comforting dinner, it’s easy to prepare and impossible not to love. Give it a try and let this creamy, cheesy, and crispy casserole become one of your go-to favorites!
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Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken, savory Rice-A-Roni, and a delicious topping of buttery Ritz crackers and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner, this casserole combines convenience with rich flavors and a satisfying crunchy topping.
Ingredients
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 Oven and Prepare Dish: 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. Once cooked, set aside.
- 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 well combined.
- Add Chicken and Rice: Stir the cooked, chopped chicken and the prepared Rice-A-Roni into the creamy mixture, folding gently to combine evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, making sure it’s level for even baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the crackers are well coated.
- Add Topping and Cheese: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole surface, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese to create a delicious crunchy and cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese varieties.
- You can substitute cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a smoother texture.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the creamy mixture.
