Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake with Crunchy Cracker Topping

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake with Crunchy Cracker Topping is a comforting American classic that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce, all topped with a crunchy buttery cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is also great as leftovers. It’s not gluten-free or dairy-free, making it ideal for those who enjoy traditional flavors without dietary restrictions.

With its creamy texture and satisfying crunch, this recipe is versatile enough for weeknight meals or special occasions. Easily select this recipe from the easyChef Pro App, where you can access personalized recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and a smart shopping list for the best prices. Organize your ingredients and follow step-by-step guides to create this delicious dish today!

Overview

This creamy chicken and rice casserole is a comforting dish with a rich, velvety sauce and a delightful buttery cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners, it’s even more delicious when reheated as leftovers.

Diet Type

Not specified

Allergies

Dairy, Gluten

Cuisine

American

Serving Size: 6

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 Cups cooked white rice
• 0.25 Cups butter, divided
• 0.25 Cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Cups milk
• 2 Teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
• 1 Teaspoon seasoned salt
• 0.5 Teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.25 Teaspoons ground black pepper
• 5 Cups cooked chicken breast meat, shredded
• 12 Ounces processed cheese food (e.g., Velveeta), cubed
• 2 Cups sour cream
• 2 Cups buttery round crackers, crushed

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt 0.25 cups of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until smooth, creating a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken bouillon powder, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a boil. Let it simmer for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded chicken, cubed cheese, and sour cream to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour the creamy chicken mixture over the rice in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 0.25 cups of butter. Toss the melted butter with the crushed crackers until well coated.
8. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown. For a perfectly crisp topping, consider baking the casserole for 5 minutes without the topping, then add the topping and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
10. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors with a satisfying crunch!

Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake with Crunchy Cracker Topping!