Name: Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box (6.8 oz) Chicken Rice-A-Roni; 2½ cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Chopped parsley (optional)

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Get ready to discover your new go-to comfort food with this Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole. It’s one of those magical dinners that bring everyone rushing to the table, with a creamy, cheesy filling, a buttery Ritz cracker topping, and plenty of savory chicken flavor in every bite. You’ll adore how easy it is to pull together, the irresistible golden top, and the way it disappears at potlucks and family get-togethers—this dish truly lives up to its “million dollar” name!

Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole calls for a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in creating something truly special. From the tender shredded chicken to the irresistible cheesy layer and crunchy cracker topping, here’s how you build rich flavor and texture with every addition.

Chicken Rice-A-Roni: The seasoned rice mix lays your savory foundation with tons of flavor.
Cooked shredded chicken (2½ cups): Rotisserie works great for convenience and juicy flavor, but any leftover chicken will do!
Sour cream: This brings that signature creaminess and a delicious tang to balance the cheese.
Cottage cheese: Adds a creamy, subtle richness without being heavy—trust me, even cottage cheese skeptics love it here.
Cream of chicken soup: The shortcut to a creamy casserole sauce that brings all the flavors together seamlessly.
Shredded cheddar cheese (divided, 1½ cups): For melty, gooey goodness inside and a gorgeously golden top.
Garlic powder: A hint of garlicky kick to round out the savory profile.
Onion powder: Adds gentle depth and a little sweetness without chopping a single onion.
Black pepper: For subtle heat that makes everything else pop.
Crushed Ritz crackers: That buttery crunch on top is the secret to what makes everyone come back for seconds.
Melted butter: Tossing the crumbs in butter gives the topping rich, irresistible flavor and perfect browning.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh green for color and a touch of herby brightness.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Rice-A-Roni

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Prepare the Chicken Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions, which usually means letting those rice grains toast a bit in the pan before simmering with water and seasoning. Once it’s fluffy and fragrant, set it aside—you’ll be amazed how much flavor this simple step adds to the finished dish!

Step 2: Mix Together the Creamy Filling

In your largest mixing bowl, combine the hot Rice-A-Roni, shredded chicken, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of the cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it all a good stir until it’s evenly mixed and every bite will be packed with creamy, cheesy, chicken goodness. Don’t worry if the cottage cheese looks a little odd—it will meld right in during baking!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Scoop in your chicken and rice mixture, smoothing it out in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese all over the top—this is what gives you a gooey, golden crown once baked.

Step 4: Add the Ritz Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. This combo should look like delicious, buttery clumps—not too wet, not too dry. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly across the top of your casserole for that signature crunch that makes this Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole extra special!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is piping hot and bubbly around the edges, and that cracker topping is beautifully golden brown. If you like, finish with a scattering of chopped parsley for a fresh, bright pop of color. Serve warm and get ready for rave reviews.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

Garnishes

For a final flourish, a sprinkle of chopped parsley brings vibrant color and a hint of freshness to the rich, creamy base. You could also try thinly sliced green onions for extra zip or a dash of paprika for warmth and eye-catching appeal.

Side Dishes

This hearty Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides—think steamed broccoli, a leafy green salad with zesty vinaigrette, or sliced cucumbers and tomatoes with a squeeze of lemon. If you’re feeding a crowd, some fluffy dinner rolls round things out nicely and help scoop up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a potluck-ready showstopper, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking so everyone gets their own “mini” dish (with plenty of crunchy topping!). Or serve in a pretty baking dish family-style, with large serving spoons and extra crackers on the side—this recipe is all about big-hearted, come-as-you-are comfort food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole completely before covering with foil or transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days, staying creamy and delicious for easy lunches or a quick dinner reboot.

Freezing

This casserole is truly a freezer hero! You can assemble it all the way (just leave off the cracker topping until you’re ready to bake), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then add the crumbs and bake as directed—it’s a lifesaver on busy days.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For individual portions, the microwave also works—it keeps the interior creamy! If the topping softens after chilling, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to reclaim that perfect crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything in your casserole dish (except the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, sprinkle on the crackers and butter, then bake as directed for easiest weeknight prep ever.

Can I use other types of protein?

Definitely! While shredded chicken is classic, cooked turkey, diced ham, or even rotisserie turkey make delicious swaps. You could even use cooked ground chicken or turkey for a fun twist—just make sure it’s well seasoned.

What can I substitute for sour cream or cottage cheese?

Greek yogurt is a great alternative to sour cream, lending a little tang without the extra calories. If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, try ricotta for the same creamy effect, or just skip it for a firmer texture.

Can I add vegetables to Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole?

Absolutely—this is a perfect blank canvas for veggies! Simply fold in steamed broccoli, peas, finely chopped spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms when you’re mixing up the filling for a pop of color and extra nutrition.

How can I make this casserole gluten free?

Look for a gluten-free rice mix and substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz. Make sure your cream of chicken soup is also certified gluten-free. With those simple swaps, your casserole will be safe and still absolutely delicious for everyone at the table.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole has built such a loyal following—it’s creamy, satisfyingly cozy, and endlessly customizable. I can’t wait for you to serve this at your next family dinner or potluck and see how quickly it disappears. Try it once, and it just might become your new weeknight classic!

Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, this easy-to-make dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Rice-A-Roni:

1 box (6.8 oz) Chicken Rice-A-Roni

Chicken Mixture:

2½ cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter

Garnish:

Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook Rice-A-Roni: Prepare the Rice-A-Roni according to package instructions; set aside.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Spread Mixture: Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish; top with remaining cheese.
Add Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter; sprinkle over casserole.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired before serving.