Name: 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked and shredded chicken breast; 1 box Rice-A-Roni (chicken flavor); 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 can cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, the 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is just the ticket! This dish has quickly become a family favorite in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, all resting on a flavorful Rice-A-Roni base. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you have guests over, this casserole has everything you want in comfort food—deliciousness and ease!

Whether it’s a simple family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, who wouldn’t love an indulgent meal that comes together in under an hour? Let’s dive into why this recipe is sure to win your heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this casserole ready for the oven in no time!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves creamy chicken casseroles! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and simply bake before serving.
Hearty and Filling: This dish is not just tasty but also filling, making it ideal for those hungry bellies after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for the 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole. You probably already have many of these staples in your kitchen!

For the Casserole

1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 box Rice-A-Roni, chicken flavor
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

The beauty of the 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole lies in its flexibility! Feel free to customize it according to your taste or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, try using shredded turkey or cooked quinoa for a vegetarian option.
Add veggies: Toss in some frozen peas or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Change up the cheese: Use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for different flavors; both melt beautifully!
Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes if you want to give it a little kick.

How to Make 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your casserole goes in, it bakes evenly and gets all bubbly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken with both soups, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mixing these ingredients well creates that rich and creamy texture we love in casseroles.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice-A-Roni

Cook your Rice-A-Roni according to package instructions. Once it’s fluffy and ready, stir it into your chicken mixture. The Rice-A-Roni adds great flavor and acts as a hearty base for this delightful dish.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Now it’s time to add in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mixing these cheeses into your casserole gives it that extra layer of deliciousness that will make everyone come back for seconds!

Step 5: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Transfer your well-mixed casserole into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly so every bite will have that creamy goodness.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Pop your casserole into the oven for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and golden on top—an irresistible sight!

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Let it cool for about 5 minutes before diving in. This little wait allows everything to set nicely so each serving holds together beautifully.

And there you have it—a scrumptious meal that’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy making memories around the table with this comforting dish!

Pro Tips for Making 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

Creating the perfect casserole is all about the little details! Here are some tips to elevate your 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole experience:

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color that makes your casserole visually appealing.
Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a unique twist. A blend of mozzarella and pepper jack can give it an exciting kick!
Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make the casserole dense instead of creamy and fluffy.
Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set up perfectly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall texture.

How to Serve 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

Serving this delightful casserole is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Fresh Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings a vibrant touch and fresh flavor that complements the creamy casserole.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving can provide a nice contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy goodness left on your plate. The buttery garlic flavor pairs wonderfully with chicken casseroles.
Steamed Broccoli: Adding steamed broccoli offers a nutritious crunch and vibrant green color, balancing out the richness of the casserole.
Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers tossed in a vinaigrette adds freshness that complements the hearty flavors of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini provides a sweet and savory complement that enhances your meal’s overall appeal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy this comforting meal with loved ones, creating memories around your dining table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal even on the busiest days. Here are some storage tips to keep your casserole fresh and tasty.

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to eat, ensure that you reheat thoroughly.

Freezing

Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
For frozen casserole, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, then bake as directed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole that might help you out!

Can I use other flavors of Rice-A-Roni in this casserole?

Absolutely! While this recipe specifically calls for chicken flavor, feel free to experiment with other flavors like herb or vegetable. Just keep in mind that it may alter the final taste slightly.

How do I make the 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or sprinkling red pepper flakes into the mixture. You could also use a spicy cheese blend instead of regular cheddar.

Can I make the 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of water when preparing the Rice-A-Roni. The dish will still be creamy and delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to try this indulgent 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole! It’s a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy around the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy making it and savor every creamy bite!

4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of 4 Million Dollar Chicken Rice-A-Roni Casserole, a creamy and cheesy dish that promises to be a family favorite. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken with a flavorful Rice-A-Roni base, enveloped in rich soups and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare and is sure to impress everyone at the table. With just under an hour from prep to plate, you can enjoy a delightful meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cooked and shredded chicken breast
1 box Rice-A-Roni (chicken flavor)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, both soups, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare the Rice-A-Roni according to package instructions; then stir it into the chicken mixture.
Fold in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly around the edges and golden on top.
Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.