Description
This luxurious, creamy chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese filling. Finished with a crunchy topping, it’s the perfect comfort meal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cottage cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Topping:
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Prepare the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese (if using), shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. - Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked rice and shredded chicken to the creamy base, mixing gently until well combined. - Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. - Add Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Spread evenly over the casserole. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top. - Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly. - Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish!
Notes
- Use Fully Cooked Rice and Chicken
Make sure both the rice and chicken are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole. This saves baking time and ensures an even, creamy texture without any raw ingredients. - Soften Cream Cheese for a Smooth Mixture
Softened cream cheese blends more easily with sour cream and cottage cheese, creating a creamy base without lumps. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting, or microwave briefly if needed. - Customize the Topping for Texture
The cracker or breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch, but you can adjust for preference. For extra cheesiness, add more cheddar on top, or swap in gluten-free crackers to make the dish gluten-free without losing the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins