Description
This Rice a Roni Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden top. The shredded chicken combines with the rich cream of chicken soup and tangy sour cream to create a velvety base, while the Rice-a-Roni adds that signature flavor and texture. The crunchy panko topping adds just the right amount of contrast, making every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients for Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole
To make this easy casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 box Rice-a-Roni (chicken flavor)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These basic ingredients come together to create a flavorful, cheesy casserole that can be prepped in just a few minutes.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole
Follow these simple steps to prepare your casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a medium saucepan, prepare the Rice-a-Roni according to the package instructions, but use 1/2 cup less water than the recipe calls for to make the rice a bit drier. Once cooked, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Add the prepared Rice-a-Roni to the mixture and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Tips for the Perfect Rice A Roni Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For even faster prep, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. This will save you time on cooking and shredding chicken.
- Add Vegetables: To make your casserole more nutritious, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli. These additions bring color and extra flavor to the dish.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: lunch
- Method: With bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 430 kcal
Keywords: rice a roni chicken casserole