Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, savory goodness with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, you’ve just stumbled upon a treasure. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those classic, feel-good meals that warms both the kitchen and the heart. Packed with tender chicken, luscious creamy cheeses, and a buttery cracker crust, it’s a dish that never fails to impress whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component, from the cream cheese’s silky richness to the Ritz crackers’ golden crunch, plays a vital role in making this casserole irresistibly delicious.
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped: The hearty star of the dish, providing protein and a satisfying bite.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds a smooth, creamy base that binds everything together.
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Brings savory depth and moisture that keeps the casserole luscious.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Offers a subtle tang and extra creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
- ½ cup sour cream: Enhances the richness and gives the dish a slight tangy brightness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a soft, aromatic kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle savory notes that complement the chicken perfectly.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crumbled: Creates the buttery, crunchy topping that’s oh-so-addictive.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Binds the cracker topping and adds a luscious, rich finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by warming your oven to 350°F. This temperature is just right to bake the casserole slowly without drying it out. Spray a 9×9 baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole slides out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded or chopped chicken as the foundation. In a separate bowl, stir together cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is velvety and smooth. Then fold this creamy blend into the chicken until everything is perfectly combined—this mixture is where all the magic happens!
Step 3: Assemble Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, mix the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers in a small bowl. This buttery topping will bake into a golden, crispy crust, so sprinkle it generously and evenly over the entire surface of the casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 40 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles happily around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen is just a preview of the delightful meal to come.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the casserole to rest just a few minutes—it helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier. Then dive right in and savor every creamy, crispy bite. It’s comfort food at its finest!
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bright, fresh touch, sprinkle sliced green onions or chopped parsley flakes on top right before serving. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also a subtle freshness that balances the richness of the casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A simple garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce leftover on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve the casserole in the baking dish itself right on the table, letting everyone scoop out generous portions. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch—ideal for dinner parties or sharing with family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed your meal, store any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, assemble the dish but don’t bake it yet—wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual. This makes it a real time-saver for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cracker topping crisp. Alternatively, microwave servings on medium power, but note the topping may lose some crunch. Either way, the creamy, comforting flavor of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe shines through.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds wonderful flavor to your casserole. Just shred or chop it before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs. Ensure any soup you use is also labeled gluten-free for best results.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms work well added to the creamy chicken mixture to add extra nutrition and texture.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a similar creamy tang, or use an equal amount of mayonnaise for richness.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Make sure the melted butter is evenly mixed with the cracker crumbs and don’t cover the casserole while baking. You can also broil it for 1–2 minutes at the very end of baking—just watch it closely to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that brings creamy comfort and crispy delight all in one spoonful. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is a timeless winner that never fails to satisfy hungry appetites and warm hearts. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every single bite as much as I do. Happy cooking!
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting baked dish combining tender cooked chicken with a cheesy and savory creamy sauce, topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for a golden, crunchy finish. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it balances simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crumbled
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Combine Chicken and Creamy Mixture: Place the shredded or chopped cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl. In a separate smaller bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix these ingredients well until smooth and fully blended.
- Mix Together: Pour the creamy mixture into the bowl containing the chicken. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a creamy chicken mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined chicken and creamy mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. In another small bowl, combine the crumbled Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the cracker crumbs are fully coated with butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the pan.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the creamy mixture is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley flakes to add freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or any cooked leftover chicken for convenience.
- Ritz cracker crumbs can be replaced with breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers if desired.
- For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture before baking.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the casserole moist and creamy inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
