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
Scale
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
