Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, cheesy goodness, and a crunchy cracker topping, it’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
- 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 of cream of chicken with herbs soup
- 2 cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese (save about ¼ cup for the top)
- 5–6 stalks of 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, shredded Colby Jack cheese (reserving ¼ cup for topping), and sliced green onions (saving some for garnish). Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, add cream cheese and 1 stick (4 tbsp) of butter. Microwave for about 30 seconds until soft and slightly melted. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Pour the cream cheese and butter mixture into the bowl with the chicken and rice mixture. Stir everything together until fully combined.
- Step 4: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of shredded cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Step 5: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ stick (4 tbsp) of butter. In another bowl, place crushed Ritz crackers and pour the melted butter over them. Mix until the crackers are coated, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 6: Cover the baking 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 7: Garnish the casserole with the remaining sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- Substitute Colby Jack with sharp cheddar or mozzarella depending on your preference.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey instead of rotisserie chicken to save time and reduce cost.
- For a gluten-free version, replace Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts for the topping.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. The topping may lose some crispness but will still be delicious.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh just before serving for best results.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Print
Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Tender shredded rotisserie chicken is combined with fluffy cooked rice, zesty Italian seasoning, and a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and cream of chicken soup. Topped with crunchy buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and melted Colby Jack cheese, this casserole bakes to golden perfection, offering a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Dairy and Butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 ½ sticks salted butter (12 tbsp total), room temperature & divided
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (32 crackers), crushed
Instructions
- Mix Chicken Rice Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked white rice, zesty Italian seasoning mix, minced garlic, cream of chicken with herbs soup, 1 ¾ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (reserve ¼ cup for topping), and sliced green onions (reserve some for garnish). Mix thoroughly until fully combined and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Butter Mixture: Place cream cheese and 1 stick (4 tbsp) of salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Microwave for about 30 seconds until softened and slightly melted. Whisk until creamy and smooth. Pour this mixture into the chicken and rice mixture, stirring well to fully combine.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the creamy chicken and rice mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Make Topping: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining ½ stick (4 tbsp) of butter. In another bowl, place crushed Ritz crackers and pour the melted butter over them. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the reserved sliced green onions on top as garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting, flavorful Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavorful shredded meat.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts.
- Let the cream cheese soften completely for easier mixing.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
- If you prefer extra crispy topping, broil uncovered for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, chicken and rice, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, rotisserie chicken recipe, cheesy casserole
