Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a classic dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s sure to please a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Creamy and Cheesy: This casserole has the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy flavors, thanks to the combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is so simple to follow, even for beginner cooks. You’ll have a delicious casserole baking in the oven in no time!
• Versatile: You can customize this casserole with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or protein.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Cooked Chicken: I use chopped cooked chicken for this recipe, but you can also use shredded chicken.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds another layer of creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and richness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a creamy texture and a savory flavor.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Add a subtle savory flavor.
• Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers add a buttery and crunchy topping.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs together and adds richness.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Veggie Delight: Toss in some cooked vegetables, like broccoli florets, chopped mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
• Herby Twist: Add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, to the casserole.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well to combine.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown.

Tips and Tricks

• Even Baking: Make sure the casserole is spread evenly in the baking dish so it cooks evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re adding extra vegetables to the casserole, don’t overcrowd the dish. This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly.
• Rest Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving will help it to set and prevent the sauce from being too runny.

How to Serve

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this hearty casserole.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later.
• Storing: Store leftover casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?
Yes, you can use other types of crackers, such as buttery crackers or even crushed potato chips. Ritz crackers are a classic choice for this casserole, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken, but you’ll need to cook it before adding it to the casserole. You can bake, grill, or sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crushed pork rinds instead of Ritz crackers for a gluten-free version of this casserole.

There you have it! A creamy, cheesy, and delicious recipe for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. I hope you enjoy it!

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