Description
This Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy chicken soup, and long-grain rice baked to perfection. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and an optional buttery cracker crust, it’s an easy and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3–4 cups)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping (optional):
- ½ cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Chicken: Remove the skin and bones from the rotisserie chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside for mixing later.
- Mix Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, diced onion, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a flavorful sauce base.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Add the uncooked long-grain rice to the bowl with the sauce mixture and stir to coat the rice evenly. Then add the shredded rotisserie chicken and stir again to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the rice and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake covered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prepare Topping (Optional): If you desire a crispy topping, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheesy casserole and bake for another 5 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and crunchy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer spicier casseroles, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken reduces prep time significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
