This cheesy chicken and rice casserole will be your go to dump and bake dinner. It has savory rotisserie chicken, minute rice, ritz crackers, condensed soup, and cheddar cheese.
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Recipe testing this casserole made was one easy dinner, I must say. It has all the flavors of old fashioned chicken and rice that a southern grandma would make. With a cheesy twist.
No mixing bowl needed, just dump the ingredients into a baking dish, mix, cover, and bake.
Ingredients
Chicken -Store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Remove the skin and shred or cut it into chunks.
Rice - Quick cooking minute rice.
Canned Soup - Condensed cream of chicken and cheddar cheese soup.
Chicken Broth - I recommend unsalted just to reduce the sodium. You can also just use water, if preferred.
Cheese - Cheddar, colby jack, or American is recommended.
Crackers - Any butter flavored crackers would be delicious. I like Ritz with a hint of salt.
Shortcuts & Dump and Bake
For faster prepping use a pre-shredded rotisserie chicken and minute rice.
Minute rice is recommended because it’s faster cooking. Using regular rice will need additional liquid and cook time.
Love Casseroles? Check out the Viral Chicken Cobbler, Knorr’s Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, No Peek Chicken, Chicken Fajita, and Chicken Stuffing Casserole.
Extra Cheesy
If you want an extra cheesy texture, I recommend adding an additional can of cheddar cheese soup and at least one cup of extra shredded cheese.
Mix In & Toppings
If you would like to add more flavor to this delicious casserole, try these options. Most can be used in when baking and others as a topping when serving.
- Heavy Cream - extra creamy flavor.
- Onion Soup Mix - a couple tablespoons
- Minced onion - fresh or dried
- Poultry Seasoning
- Pecorino Romano
- Green Onion
- Italian Parsley
- Bell Peppers
- Sautéed Mushrooms and Celery
- Frozen Peas and Carrots
- Crispy Fried Onions
- Crushed Potato Chips
- Sour Cream
- Crispy Bacon
Baking Time
When you are making any oven rice bake, check the texture of the rice while it is baking. I recommend about 10 minutes prior to the full recommended bake time.
Oven heat and temperatures and rice cooking times can vary. You don’t want to overcook the rice.
How To Serve
This is a great one pan meal with starch and a protein. Since the oven is going cook or roast vegetables like green beans, broccoli, mixed veggies, or peas and carrots. Bread rolls, green salad, and fruit.
Leftovers and Storage
After enjoying this chicken and rice casserole, store the leftovers covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to3 months.
Reheatin the microwave or the oven covered in foil.
You can freezer prep the whole baked casserole dish. Make sure is has be fully cooled and wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. Let in thaw in the fridge and it’s ready to reheat.
Step By Step Instructions and Photos
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a 9x13 baking dish dump the minute rice.
3. Add the canned soups and broth or water.
4. Mix until well combined.
5. Add shredded cheddar cheese and chicken. Mix well.
6. Mix well and spread into a single layer.
7. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Place in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
8. Remove and carefully uncover and check the rice. See if it's cooked to your liking. If not place back into the oven.
9. Remove from the oven and top with crushed ritz crackers.
10. Place back into the oven for about 6-8 minute and remove when the topping is golden brown. Sprinkle with dried parsley. Let cool and Enjoy.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Measuring Tools (Cups)
- Mixing Spoon or Rubber Spatula
- Cheese Grater
- Foil
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups Rotisserie Chicken Shredded or Cubed
- 2 cups Minute Rice
- 1 10.5oz Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Can or Condensed Soup of Choice
- 1 10.5oz Cheddar Cheese Soup, Can
- 2 Cups Unsalted Chicken Broth or Water
- 1 Cups Sharp Cheddar or Colby Jack (Shredded)
- 1-2 Sleeves Ritz Crackers, crushed
- Salt, Pepper, and Seasoning of Choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a 9x13 baking dish dump the minute rice.
- Add the canned soups and broth or water. Mix well.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and chicken. Mix well and spread into a single layer.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Place in the oven.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Remove and carefully uncover and check the rice. See if it's cooked to your liking. If not place back into the oven.
- Remove from the oven and top with crushed ritz crackers. Place back into the oven for about 6-8 minute and remove when the topping is golden brown.
- Sprinkle with dried parsley. Let cool and Enjoy.
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