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
Scale
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
