Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Packed with shredded rotisserie chicken, flavorful seasonings, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 small rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 0.60 oz Good Seasons zesty Italian seasoning mix
- 1 heaping tablespoon minced garlic
- 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken with herbs soup
- 2 cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (reserve about ¼ cup for topping)
- 5–6 stalks green onions, sliced (save some for garnish)
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1½ sticks salted butter, room temperature and divided
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (32 crackers), crushed
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, Italian seasoning mix, minced garlic, cream of chicken with herbs soup, 1¾ cups shredded cheese, and sliced green onions (reserve some for garnish). Mix until fully combined and set aside.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the cream cheese and 1 stick (4 tablespoons) of butter. Microwave for about 30 seconds until soft and slightly melted. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the butter and cream cheese mixture into the chicken and rice bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Step 5: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ stick (4 tablespoons) of butter. In another bowl, add crushed Ritz crackers and pour the melted butter over them. Stir until all crackers are coated.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the buttery crushed crackers evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Step 7: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Step 8: Garnish with reserved sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked turkey or leftover roasted chicken.
- Use sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese if Colby Jack is unavailable.
- To make it gluten-free, replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through. The cracker topping may soften after refrigeration but will still be delicious.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it crispy.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Freeze it unbaked in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
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Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken, flavorful seasoned rice, creamy cheeses, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. This easy-to-make casserole blends savory herbs, garlic, and a rich cream cheese and butter mixture to create a luscious, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Chicken & Rice Mixture
- 1 small rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 0.60 oz Good Seasons zesty Italian seasoning mix
- 1 heaping tbsp minced garlic
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs soup
- 2 cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping)
- 5–6 stalks green onions, sliced (reserve some for garnish)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 & ½ sticks salted butter (divided; 1 stick for cream cheese mixture, ½ stick for cracker topping, remaining ¼ stick for mixing)
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (32 crackers), crushed
Instructions
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked white rice, Italian seasoning mix, minced garlic, cream of chicken with herbs soup, 1¾ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping), and most of the sliced green onions (saving some for garnish). Stir thoroughly until fully combined and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, combine the cream cheese and 1 stick (4 tbsp) of butter. Microwave for about 30 seconds until softened and slightly melted. Whisk until creamy and smooth, then pour this mixture into the large bowl with the chicken and rice. Mix well to thoroughly incorporate the creamy butter and cheese.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a baking dish and transfer the creamy chicken and rice mixture into it. Smooth out the top evenly and sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the surface.
- Prepare Crunchy Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ stick (4 tbsp) of butter in the microwave. Place crushed Ritz crackers in a separate small bowl, then pour the melted butter over them. Mix until the crushed crackers are evenly coated with butter.
- Add Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes uncovered until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the remaining sliced green onions over the casserole for a fresh garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken and rice casserole!
Notes
- Using a rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to make mixing easier.
- If desired, substitute the Colby Jack cheese with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead; just add the cracker topping before baking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, chicken and rice casserole, creamy chicken bake, rotisserie chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, baked chicken and rice, cheesy casserole
