Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe
A comforting and indulgent casserole combining tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, flavorful Rice-A-Roni, and a melty blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying family meal.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice
- 1 box Rice-A-Roni (chicken flavor)
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature for the casserole.
- Mix Chicken and Soups: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy and flavorful base mixture.
- Prepare Rice-A-Roni: Prepare the Rice-A-Roni according to the package instructions, which typically involve cooking the rice and seasoning in a skillet with water and butter until tender. Once cooked, stir the Rice-A-Roni into the chicken mixture until well combined.
- Add Cheeses: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, distributing them evenly to add richness and flavor throughout.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the mixture evenly to promote uniform cooking and browning.
- Bake Casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden and slightly crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works great.
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with an additional cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, depending on your preference and the saltiness of the soups and Rice-A-Roni.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as peas or chopped broccoli to incorporate some greens.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Chicken casserole, Rice-A-Roni, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, baked chicken recipe, cheesy chicken casserole