Name: Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 cup sour cream; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery crackers; 3 tablespoons melted butter; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for pure comfort in a casserole dish, Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole is about to become the star of your dinner table. This creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying bake is all about turning simple ingredients into something absolutely worthy of its name. It’s a dish that wraps you up in cheesy goodness, blending tender chicken, fluffy rice, and that irresistible buttery cracker topping. Make it once and you’ll quickly understand why so many call it a million-dollar family favorite!

Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole has a role: to create layers of flavor, a creamy texture, or that golden, crunchy finish. Let’s look at what you’ll need, along with some tried-and-true tips for the best results.

Cooked Chicken Breast: Rotisserie works wonders for flavor and convenience, making prep a breeze.
Cooked White Rice: Fluffy, tender rice soaks up all the creamy goodness—fresh or leftover is fine!
Sour Cream: Provides tang and creaminess; you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret weapon for rich, comforting flavor and extra silkiness.
Cream Cheese, Softened: Makes the casserole decadently creamy with a hint of tang.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives every bite a cheesy punch.
Garlic Powder: Adds mellow depth and a little warmth without overpowering.
Onion Powder: Gives savory complexity and rounds out the creaminess nicely.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
Crushed Ritz Crackers or Buttery Crackers: The classic crunchy topping—don’t skip this!
Melted Butter: Helps those cracker crumbs turn gorgeously golden and crisp in the oven.
Chopped Parsley for Garnish (optional): A pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick and clean-up is a cinch. A little extra butter or nonstick spray now will make serving those creamy squares later even easier.

Step 2: Stir the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is silky-smooth and there are no lumps. This luscious base is where the Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole gets its rich, dreamy texture.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Rice, and Cheese

Fold in your cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and shredded cheddar cheese, making sure that every piece gets coated in the decadent sauce. Mixing gently helps everything stay tender and combines the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Spread in Dish

Pour the chicken and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring no pockets of rice are left dry and every inch is ready for that signature cracker topping.

Step 5: Mix and Sprinkle the Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over your casserole. This buttery top layer bakes up crisp and golden, giving each bite that crave-worthy crunch that defines the Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole experience!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling center and a topping that’s beautifully golden brown. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving—this lets the cheesy bits meld and makes it easy to plate.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is the finishing touch for this dish! That hint of green isn’t just for looks—it gives the Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole a burst of freshness right at the end. If you’re feeling adventurous, try sliced green onions or a pinch of smoked paprika for a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

While this casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, it’s even better paired with simple sides. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad bring color, crunch, and a touch of brightness to your plate. Warm rolls or a chunk of crusty bread are perfect for scooping up all that creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck, spoon generous portions into sturdy muffin cups for individual, portable servings. Hosting a fancy brunch? Use ramekins for single-serve Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole—all the charm, no messy scooping. It’s also right at home as the star of a cozy weeknight dinner, dished out family-style at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Simply cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making lunch or a speedy dinner a total win the next day.

Freezing

To freeze Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole, assemble the dish but hold off on adding the cracker topping until you’re ready to bake. Wrap the casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the buttery cracker crumbs, and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave—cover with a damp paper towel to keep the top from drying out. For bigger batches, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Add a tiny splash of milk or broth to keep things ultra-creamy.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will give your Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole a nuttier flavor and boost the nutrition. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it in since it can take longer to soften.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this casserole?

You have options—poach, roast, or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. Cubed or shredded both work beautifully, so go with whatever suits your preference or pantry!

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! Stirring in frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or even diced bell peppers is a great way to sneak in extra greens and add pops of color. Be sure to use cooked or thawed veggies so the texture remains just right.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead?

Definitely. You can assemble Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole up to a day ahead, store it in the fridge, then add the cracker topping right before baking. It’s an ideal meal prep or busy weeknight solution.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?

Any buttery cracker works, or you could try panko breadcrumbs for a lighter crunch. Even crushed cornflakes add a fun twist—just toss with melted butter as you would with the crackers.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole is such a beloved staple—it’s creamy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress at your next potluck, this dish is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to for easy, memorable dinners!

Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Million Dollar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. With layers of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
2 cups cooked white rice

Sauce:

1 cup sour cream
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping:

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery crackers
3 tablespoons melted butter

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add chicken and rice: Fold in the cooked chicken, rice, and cheddar cheese. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
Prepare the topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.