Get ready to fall in love with the decadence of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! This delightful dish, loaded with tender chicken and creamy goodness, is one of those recipes you’ll treasure for its simplicity and flavor-packed punch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Peasy Preparation: Just mix, top, and bake for a fuss-free meal.
- Creamy Delight: The blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a luscious sauce.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or simple weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole shines because of its modest ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each component adds something special, be it creaminess, texture, or a burst of savory goodness.
- Chopped cooked chicken: A great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken—saves time and enhances flavor.
- Cream cheese: Use at room temperature for easier mixing, adding richness to the dish.
- Cottage cheese: It melts into the casserole for a surprising airy texture.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the creaminess.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: The base for the sauce, offering both creaminess and chicken flavor.
- Garlic powder & dried onion powder: Easy pantry staples for depth and aroma.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed and buttery, these create a crispy topping that’s hard to resist.
- Butter: Melts beautifully to blend with the cracker topping.
Variations
The beauty of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole lies in its flexibility. You can tweak it to fit what you have on hand or cater to special diets without losing the comfort factor.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli for a satisfying veggie meal.
- Low-Carb Option: Use crushed pork rinds in place of Ritz crackers for a keto-friendly topping.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Cheesy Surprise: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar for an extra indulgent layer of cheesiness.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, set your oven to 350ºF. A hot and ready oven ensures your casserole bakes evenly, achieving that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, blend together the chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Be sure everything is well-combined and smooth before spreading it into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Craft the Crusty Topping
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this glorious mixture over your creamy chicken blend, generously covering the surface for that signature crunch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the oven and let it bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Look for a bubbling hot filling and a crisp, golden-brown top—it’s these details that ensure pure comfort in every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Temperature Matters: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to blend easily with other ingredients, preventing lumps.
- Ritz Perfection: Crush the crackers till fine but keep some bigger bits for texture in your topping.
- Melted Ideal: Use gently melted butter—this absorbs better with the cracker crumbs creating an even bake.
- Batch Cooking: Double the recipe for larger gatherings or to freeze a future meal.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika not only adds color but also a fresh bite or a smoky depth, which elevates the entire dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a vibrant green salad or roasted veggies. Both side options bring a welcome contrast, balancing the casserole’s creamy texture impeccably.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls for a homey feel, or go elegant with individual ramekins for a dinner party flair. Either way, your guests will be in awe of both presentation and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, ready to be enjoyed again.
Freezing
To extend its life, freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil, ensuring it’s completely covered to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil, until warmed through. This ensures the casserole maintains its moisture and delightful crumbly topping.
FAQs
-
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives for a lactose-intolerant friendly version.
-
What kind of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken is great, but I recommend rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for its juicy and flavorful attributes.
-
Could I use a different type of cracker?
Yes, Club crackers or butter crackers work well as substitutes, offering a similar buttery crispness to the topping.
-
Is it possible to add vegetables?
Certainly! Veggies like broccoli or spinach can be mixed into the casserole, adding nutritional value and color.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that promises comfort and sheer satisfaction, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is it. Dive in, and let each creamy, savory bite bring warmth to your table. I can’t wait for you and your family to enjoy every delectable forkful!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and savory chicken casserole that combines tender cooked chicken with a rich blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, topped with crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs for a perfect comforting dish.
Ingredients
Protein
– 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
Dairy
– 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
Canned Goods
– 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
Spices & Seasonings
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 tsp dried onion powder
Cracker Topping
– 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
– 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer mixture: Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are coated.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving hot.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Feel free to add shredded cheese or herbs to customize the flavor.
- Use cooked, shredded chicken for convenience; rotisserie chicken works well.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until baking.
- Serving suggestions include steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
