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Heavenly Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/heavenly-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe/