Introduction
When you need the ultimate comfort food, nothing beats a Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and layers of cheesy goodness, this dish brings everything you love about hearty chicken casseroles for dinner into one pan. The Rice-A-Roni adds texture and flavor, while a buttery cracker topping makes every bite crunchy and irresistible.
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple yet satisfying. It’s also a great choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need a recipe that feeds a crowd. Unlike ordinary casserole recipes for dinner, this one has that “million dollar” touch thanks to its rich cream cheese filling and gooey cheese layer.
Whether you’re new to cooking casseroles or already a fan of cheesy casserole recipes, this dish will become a favorite in your rotation. Grab your Rice-A-Roni, some cooked chicken, and a box of buttery crackers—you’ll have dinner ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 box Rice-A-Roni (chicken flavor), cooked
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (for cracker toppings)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked Rice-A-Roni, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Fold in ¾ of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal | – |
| Protein | 24 g | 48% |
| Carbs | 32 g | 11% |
| Fat | 20 g | 26% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4 g | – |
| Sodium | 720 mg | 31% |
Tips & Variations
- Swap Rice-A-Roni for leftover rice if you want a faster version of this chicken rice casserole.
- For extra flavor, stir in a handful of sautéed mushrooms or onions before baking.
- Try using Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different cheesy casserole twist.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika or Italian seasoning to the cracker toppings for more flavor.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is your answer. Perfectly balanced with tender chicken, fluffy Rice-A-Roni, and a golden cracker topping, it’s a family-friendly recipe that works for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
This recipe takes classic casserole recipes for dinner to the next level and will quickly become one of your most requested meals. Keep it in your rotation when you want to enjoy comfort food at its finest.
⭐ Save this recipe on Pinterest for later and make it part of your favorite cheesy casserole collection.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add cracker toppings right before baking.
Q: What can I use instead of Rice-A-Roni?
A: You can substitute cooked white rice or even leftover Spanish-style rice for a fun twist on traditional chicken casseroles for dinner.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy casserole made with shredded chicken, Rice-A-Roni, cream cheese, and topped with buttery crackers. Perfect comfort food for family dinners.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 box Rice-A-Roni (chicken flavor), cooked
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (for cracker toppings)
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked Rice-A-Roni, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until creamy.
3. Fold in ¾ of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
4. Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
6. Top with remaining cheese.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley, and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Swap Rice-A-Roni for leftover rice if preferred.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or onions for extra flavor.
Use Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different cheesy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 casserole)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g