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Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Crispy Golden Crust

A close-up slice of Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake showing fluffy rice texture and a deeply browned, golden top crust.
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Prepare a creamy, satisfying baked casserole featuring shredded chicken, rice, and a savory cheese sauce, finished with a crunchy, golden-brown topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup crushed buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, chicken broth, frozen mixed vegetables, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  3. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken and rice mixture.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cheese layer.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes.
  7. Increase the oven temperature to broil (high setting). Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is deeply golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute homemade béchamel sauce for the condensed soup for a richer flavor.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
  • If you prefer a less intense golden top, skip the broiling step and bake for the full 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/cheesy-chicken-and-rice-bake-with-golden-top/