Description
A comforting, family-friendly casserole combining shredded rotisserie chicken with creamy rice, cheese, and golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for quick weeknight meals with rich, balanced flavors.
Ingredients
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skinless)
2 cups cooked rice (day-old preferred)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
4 tbsp butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gouda cheese (optional additional cheese)
1 tsp ground thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour (for cheese sauce)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Shred rotisserie chicken in a large bowl. Add cooked rice and mix until slightly coated
In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 4 minutes until softened
Stir in flour, cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk while stirring constantly
Season cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer until thickened
Combine cheese sauce with chicken-rice mixture, mixing thoroughly
Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with additional cheese and buttered breadcrumbs
Bake for 25 minutes until golden. Cool for 10 minutes before serving
Notes
Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness
Pre-toasting breadcrumbs in a dry skillet enhances crunch
Day-old rice prevents sogginess
Can substitute cheddar with dairy-free cheese or mozzarella for different flavor
Adjust salt to taste based on rotisserie chicken seasoning
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg