Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (Print Version)
Creamy layered chicken casserole with rice, cheese, and crunchy Ritz cracker topping - comfort food at its finest.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Base Layer
01 -
3 cups cooked rice (16 oz | 450 g)
02 -
3 cups shredded chicken (1 lb | 450 g)
→ Creamy Components
03 -
1 cup cream cheese, divided (8 oz | 225 g)
04 -
1 cup cottage cheese, divided (8 oz | 225 g)
05 -
14 oz cream of chicken soup (1 can)
→ Seasonings
06 -
1 teaspoon minced garlic
07 -
1 teaspoon minced onion
→ Topping
08 -
20-25 Ritz crackers, crushed
09 -
3 tablespoons melted butter
10 -
Dried herbs and garlic powder (optional)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 355°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 -
Set up two medium bowls, one containing rice and one containing shredded chicken.
03 -
Mix rice with ½ cup cream cheese and ½ cup cottage cheese. Spread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish using a spatula.
04 -
Combine chicken with remaining ½ cup cream cheese, ½ cup cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and minced onion. Spread over rice layer.
05 -
Transfer to oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes.
06 -
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle over casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing for easier incorporation
02 -
Use rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice packets for quicker preparation
03 -
Casserole can be assembled 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
04 -
Add garlic powder and dried herbs to cracker topping for enhanced flavor