If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that brings the whole family together, look no further than this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. It perfectly combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy rice into one mouthwatering casserole topped with a buttery, crispy cracker crust. This classic dish is not only easy to make but also packs a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is key to this Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. Each component plays its own role—whether it’s the creaminess, the protein, or the crunchy topping that brings the dish together in perfect harmony.
- 3 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded or cubed): The star protein that adds hearty, juicy bites throughout the casserole.
- 2 cans Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (or 1 large can): Creates a rich and creamy base that keeps the casserole perfectly moist.
- 2 cups Minute (or quick cooking) rice (uncooked): Provides fluffy texture that soaks up all the wonderful flavors as it cooks.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess to elevate the overall richness.
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers (crushed): For that irresistible buttery, crispy topping that everyone will love.
- 1/2 cup salted butter: Coats the cracker crumbs for a golden, flavorful crunch on top.
How to Make Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures your oven will be ready to cook the casserole evenly once assembled. It’s a simple but essential start to making this comforting dish come together perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cubed or shredded chicken breasts, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir gently until everything is thoroughly incorporated. This creates the luscious base that will cook up tender and flavorful inside your baking dish.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish
Spread the mixed ingredients evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures even cooking and plenty of room for the rice to expand as it bakes. The smooth layer forms the foundation for your crispy topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
Place the Ritz crackers into a zip-top plastic bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs right inside the bag—it’s quick and mess-free! Then add the softened salted butter to the bag, seal it, and shake well until all crumbs are evenly coated with butter. This buttery crumb topping will bake to a beautiful golden crisp.
Step 5: Add Topping and Bake
Spread the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole’s surface. Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cracker crust turns golden brown and the rice is tender and cooked through. This final step brings the dish together with a delightful contrast of creamy interior and crunchy topping.
How to Serve Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions over the casserole just before serving. These fresh garnishes add a vibrant pop of color and a mild layer of fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides such as steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or garlic roasted broccoli. These complement the comforting richness without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming and elegant presentation. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for a fun twist that lets each person customize their serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe, simply cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate leftovers within two hours of baking. Stored properly, the casserole stays fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it has cooled completely. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil or use an airtight freezer-safe container. It will keep its best quality for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, to keep the cracker topping crispy. Alternatively, a microwave works well, though the topping will lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and may need additional liquid. Adjust accordingly or pre-cook the brown rice before mixing.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken breasts with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cream of chicken soup can be swapped for a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade vegetarian sauce.
Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes, you can prepare everything the night before, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed the next day but add a few extra minutes to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
What can I use if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Crushed buttery crackers like saltines or buttery breadcrumbs make excellent alternatives for the topping. Just be sure to coat them with butter for that signature golden crunch.
How can I make the cracker topping extra crispy?
Use melted butter generously and spread the cracker crumbs in an even, thin layer. You can also broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning, for an extra crispy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is truly one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its creamy, tender filling and irresistible crispy topping, it’s no wonder it has become a household favorite. Whether you’re looking for a simple dinner to whip up or a make-ahead dish that pleases the crowd, this recipe has got you covered. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become your go-to casserole for cozy nights in!
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Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish perfect for an easy family dinner. Tender chicken breast is mixed with creamy soup, rice, chicken broth, and sour cream, then topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers for a crispy, golden crust. Bake it all together for 40 minutes for a hearty meal that serves 8.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
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.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Crush Crackers: Pour 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, and shake vigorously to coat the 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.
- Bake: Place the casserole on the middle rack of the warm oven and bake for 40 minutes until the cracker topping turns golden brown and crispy, and the rice is tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty and creamy Chicken Rice Casserole!
Notes
- Using quick-cooking rice allows the rice to fully cook during the baking time.
- Shredded or cubed cooked chicken works equally well depending on your preference.
- Make sure the butter is softened for easier mixing with cracker crumbs.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and butter alternatives.
- You can customize by adding vegetables like peas or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
