Name: Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken; 2 cups cooked yellow rice; 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched; 3 Tbsp butter; 1 small onion, finely diced; 4–5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Chicken with Herbs Soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) Campbell’s Cream of Cheddar Soup; 1 pint half & half (use soup cans to measure and swish in); ½ cup sour cream; 4 oz freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for sauce); 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning; ½ tsp mustard powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional); Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; 6 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese; Optional: 28 Ritz crackers, crushed; Optional: 3 Tbsp melted butter (for cracker topping); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and optional topping)

Ingredients

3 cups cooked shredded rotisserie chicken

2 cups cooked yellow rice

2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched

3 Tbsp butter

1 small onion, finely diced

4–5 cloves garlic, minced

1 can Campbell’s Cream of Chicken with Herbs Soup (10.5 oz)

1 can Campbell’s Cream of Cheddar Soup (10.5 oz)

1 pint half & half (use soup cans to measure and swish in)

½ cup sour cream

4 oz freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for sauce)

6 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese (for topping)

1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning

½ tsp mustard powder

½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Optional topping: 28 Ritz crackers, crushed + 3 Tbsp melted butter + fresh parsley

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare for baking.

Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, then immediately add the Tony’s Creole seasoning, mustard powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Whisk in both cans of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken with Herbs and Cream of Cheddar soups until smooth.

Step 5: Use the empty soup cans to measure and add the half & half to the skillet—one can at a time—stirring well to combine after each addition.

Step 6: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream. Continue stirring until the sauce is melted and creamy.

Step 7: In the prepared casserole dish, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked yellow rice. Mix them together evenly.

Step 8: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and rice mixture, stirring gently to coat everything well.

Step 9: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 10: For the optional topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and a little chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 11: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until it is bubbly and golden on top. For a toastier finish, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 12: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

Substitute cooked white or brown rice if yellow rice is unavailable, but adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor.

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick prep or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them for homemade freshness.

Add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Creole seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

The Ritz cracker topping adds a great crunch, but you can swap it with panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. To maintain crispiness on top, uncover the dish in the last few minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze this dish?

While you can freeze the casserole, cheese-based sauces sometimes separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze before baking, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and bake as usual. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.