Description

This Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for a family meal. Tender cooked chicken and fluffy rice are combined with rich cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and a touch of garlic and onion powders, then topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers for a crispy golden crust. Baked to perfection in under an hour, this casserole is hearty, flavorful, and sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice Mixture

4 cups chopped cooked chicken
4 cups cooked rice
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup cottage cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp dried onion powder

Topping

1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
5 Tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Spread Mixture in Dish: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated.
Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken and rice base. Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Notes

Using room temperature cream cheese allows for easier mixing and a smoother casserole texture.
You can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken if desired.
For a lower-fat version, use low-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
If you prefer a crunchier topping, add the cracker mixture halfway through baking instead of before cooking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.