Jackpot Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole Recipe: Golden Comfort

Comforting and creamy, this million dollar chicken rice-a-roni casserole brings serious flavor to your dinner table.

Packed with tender chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce, the dish promises pure satisfaction.

Every bite blends hearty ingredients into a delightful meal that feels like a warm hug.

The combination of rice-a-roni and succulent chicken creates an irresistible comfort food experience.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top add an extra layer of deliciousness to this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Simple to assemble and quick to bake, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Get ready to become the dinner hero with this incredibly satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 40 min

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

• Rice-A-Roni: Classic pantry staple that provides a delicious foundation with its savory flavor and quick-cooking texture.
• Cream Of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds rich, velvety depth and helps bind the casserole together smoothly.

• Cooked Chopped Chicken: Tender protein that transforms the dish into a satisfying meal with hearty, filling goodness.
• Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient that brings luxurious creaminess and subtle zesty undertones.
• Cottage Cheese: Soft cheese that contributes extra protein and creates a delightful, silky texture.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth dairy element that melts beautifully and adds decadent richness.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Aromatic spices that infuse the casserole with deep, savory flavor without chopping fresh ingredients.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that creates a golden, crispy crust with irresistible nutty notes.
• French Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that delivers incredible texture and a delightful caramelized onion taste.

Tools to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect casserole size and shape.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy dish removal.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients thoroughly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese grater: Needed to grate fresh parmesan cheese for topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Rice-A-Roni Casserole

• Oven Preparation

Warm your kitchen with the cozy heat of a preheated oven, setting the stage for a comforting meal that’ll make everyone smile.

• Rice Foundation

Craft the perfect rice base using the classic Rice-A-Roni, transforming it into a creamy canvas of deliciousness.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend together a symphony of creamy ingredients – silky soups, tangy cheeses, and tender chicken – creating a harmonious mixture that promises pure comfort.

• Casserole Assembly

Spread the dreamy mixture into a welcoming baking dish, preparing it for its golden transformation.

• Crispy Topping

Sprinkle a crunchy crown of parmesan and French fried onions, adding a delightful texture that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Baking Magic

Let the casserole bake until it bubbles with excitement and turns a beautiful golden brown, signaling a meal ready to be devoured and loved.

Tips to Elevate Chicken Casserole Flavors

• Swap chicken with rotisserie or leftover turkey for a quick protein boost.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or Swiss to create unique flavor profiles.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, adding cooking time by 10-15 minutes if going straight from cold to oven.
• Fold in roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and color variety.
• Replace French fried onions with toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or sliced almonds for different textural experiences.

Serving Up This Million Dollar Casserole

• Comfort Food Companions: Perfect Side Dishes for Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole
• Crisp Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the casserole's richness and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Colorful roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts bring extra nutrition and vibrant flavors that complement the creamy casserole.
• Garlic Bread Trio: Warm, buttery garlic bread slices are ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding a crunchy texture to your meal.
• Chilled White Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio provides a light, cool accompaniment that balances the dish's creamy, hearty profile.

Smart Ways to Store Leftover Casserole

• Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping the crispy onion topping separate to maintain its crunch.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Enjoy within 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and fried onions just before baking for maximum freshness.
• Portion Perfect: Divide the casserole into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or convenient weeknight meals that save time and reduce kitchen stress.

Mouthwatering Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 min
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Hearty million dollar chicken rice-a-roni casserole promises comfort and flavor in one delightful dish. Creamy textures and savory ingredients blend seamlessly, making this recipe perfect for family dinners you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups chopped chicken
• 1 box chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni
• 1 (10.5 oz / 298 grams) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
• 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 (3 oz / 85 grams) can French fried onions
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350º F (175º C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Rice Foundation: Cook Rice-A-Roni according to package instructions, creating a flavorful grain base for the casserole.
3. Creamy Fusion: Blend cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream cheese into the cooked rice, creating a luxurious and smooth mixture.
4. Seasoning Enhancement: Mix in onion powder and garlic powder to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile.
5. Protein Integration: Gently fold pre-cooked chopped chicken throughout the creamy rice mixture, ensuring uniform distribution.
6. Assembly: Pour the complete mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
7. Topping Layers: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese across the surface, then crown with crispy French fried onions for a golden, crunchy finish.
8. Baking Process: Place uncovered casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a beautifully bronzed top.
9. Serving Preparation: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow the casserole to set and facilitate easier serving.

Notes

• Prep Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor without additional cooking.
• Cheese Tip: Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for unique taste variations.
• Moisture Magic: Don’t overmix the ingredients to maintain a light, creamy texture and prevent a dense casserole.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Add fried onions during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning and ensure maximum crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg