There is something wonderfully comforting about a warm, creamy casserole that brings friends and family together around the table. This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a perfect weeknight go-to, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, saucy base topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. It is a dish that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate, balancing simple ingredients with big flavors to create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Whether you are feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step toward making this delicious Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe a reality. Each component is straightforward yet essential, working in harmony to build layers of flavor and texture—from the creamy soup base to the crispy cracker topping.
- Chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded or cubed, about 4 cups; this is the hearty protein center of the dish.
- Cream of chicken soup: 2 cans (or 1 large can) provide a rich, velvety sauce that binds everything together beautifully.
- Minute rice: 2 cups uncooked, quick-cooking rice adds to the fluffy texture and soaks up the delicious broth.
- Chicken broth: 2 cups; this keeps the rice moist and intensifies the savory flavor.
- Sour cream: 1 cup adds a tangy creaminess that elevates the overall richness of the casserole.
- Ritz crackers: 2 sleeves, crushed finely to create a buttery, golden crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Salted butter: 1/2 cup, softened; essential for coating the cracker crumbs and adding that luscious crisp topping.
How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your casserole evenly. Setting the stage ahead of time lets you move seamlessly through the next steps without delay.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, shredded or cubed chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. The sour cream adds a lovely tang that brightens the richness, while the broth and soup create a velvety base for the rice to absorb as it cooks.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread your creamy mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Distributing it in an even layer ensures that the rice cooks uniformly and every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Step 4: Crush Crackers
Place the Ritz crackers into a sealable plastic bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs. This step is key for that irresistible crunchy topping that gives the casserole a wonderful textural contrast.
Step 5: Butter the Crumbs
Add the softened salted butter to the bag with the crushed crackers, reseal it, and shake vigorously so the crumbs get evenly coated with butter. This buttery coating will help the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven, creating that golden-brown finish we all crave.
Step 6: Top the Casserole
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over your casserole mixture in the baking dish. This final layer will bake to a crispy, flavorful crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling underneath.
Step 7: Bake
Place the casserole on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cracker topping turns golden brown and crispy, and the rice is tender and fluffy beneath the surface.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set just right, ensuring each scoop holds together beautifully and delivers that comforting, hearty flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese can add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to your Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. They elevate the visual appeal and bring an extra layer of flavor that complements the creamy casserole nicely.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, vibrant side salads or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The freshness and crunch of these sides balance the richness of the casserole, rounding out your meal with healthy texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or oven-safe bowls topped with the golden cracker crust. You could also spoon the casserole onto crisp lettuce leaves for a casual, hand-held option that’s perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it in airtight containers helps maintain its moisture and flavor, making it easy to enjoy the next day without losing that comforting texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either baked or unbaked. If freezing baked, cool it completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 2 months. For unbaked freezing, prepare as directed, cover tightly, and bake directly from frozen—just add extra baking time to ensure the rice cooks through.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning, uncover near the end to crisp it back up. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps refresh the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe and adds convenience without sacrificing any flavor.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers? Are there alternatives?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers for a similar texture and taste in the topping.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks fully.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this casserole safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
Consider adding sautéed onions, garlic, or your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley to the mixture before baking for an extra layer of savory depth.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and ease to your dinner table. Its creamy filling, tender chicken, and crispy topping create a harmonious blend that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat.
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Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and comforting Chicken Rice Casserole features tender cooked chicken, quick-cooking rice, and a savory cream of chicken soup mixture, all topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. Baked to golden perfection, it makes a hearty and easy weeknight meal perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded or cubed, about 4 cups)
- 2 cans Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (or 1 large can)
- 2 cups Minute rice (or quick cooking rice, uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cooked cubed or shredded chicken breast, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking throughout.
- Crush Crackers: Pour the Ritz crackers into a sealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you have fine crumbs.
- Butter the Crumbs: Add the softened salted butter into the bag with the crushed crackers, reseal the bag, and shake vigorously to coat the cracker crumbs evenly with the butter.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly spread the buttered cracker crumbs over the top of the casserole mixture in the baking dish to form a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the cracker topping turns golden brown and crispy, and the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving. Enjoy this hearty, creamy Chicken Rice Casserole!
Notes
- You can use cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for the chicken breasts.
- If you prefer a healthier option, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Make sure the rice is quick-cooking or instant to ensure it cooks fully during baking.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to portion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
