Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy and savory dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With a rich blend of cheeses, tender chicken, and a crispy cracker topping, it’s comfort food at its best.

A close-up of one large square piece of lasagna on a white plate sits on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is green broccoli mixed with white creamy sauce, the middle layer is thick white sauce with bits of pink salmon, and the top layer is golden brown melted cheese with some herb sprinkles for garnish. The lasagna edges are slightly browned and crispy, showing the bubbly and creamy texture of the cheese and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Fold the shredded cooked chicken, grated cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions into the creamy mixture until evenly distributed.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer with a rubber spatula.
  5. Step 5: In a separate bowl or Ziploc bag, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and dried parsley. Toss until the crumbs are thoroughly coated in butter.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the cracker crust is a deep golden-brown mahogany color.

Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
  • Swap cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
  • Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts as a topping.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. For best texture, avoid reheating the cracker topping in a microwave to keep it crisp.

How to Serve

A thick, square piece of lasagna sits on a white plate, showing multiple layers: a golden-brown, bubbly cheese top with melted spots, sprinkled with green herbs; beneath this, creamy white sauce mixed with melted cheese; a layer of green broccoli chunks; and a base layer with bits of light pink meat mixed with sauce. The lasagna's edges are slightly browned and crispy, while the inside looks soft and gooey. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking for the best texture.

Can I freeze the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

This casserole freezes well. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Print
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, savory baked dish featuring shredded chicken blended with a rich mixture of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and serves eight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Topping

  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing or lining it to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a seamless creamy base.
  3. Combine Chicken and Cheese: Gently fold the shredded cooked chicken, freshly grated cheddar cheese, and thinly sliced green onions into the creamy mixture. Ensure everything is evenly distributed without overmixing.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour and spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish using a rubber spatula to create a uniform layer.
  5. Prepare Topping: In a bowl or Ziploc bag, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted unsalted butter, and dried parsley. Toss or mix until the cracker crumbs are fully coated with butter, creating a crunchy topping mixture.
  6. Add Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker crumb mixture over the top of the casserole, covering the surface completely for a crispy crust after baking.
  7. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Bake until the filling is bubbling and the cracker topping turns a deep golden-brown mahogany color, indicating it’s perfectly crisp and cooked through.

Notes

  • Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • For extra flavor, add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the creamy mixture.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smoother blend.
  • Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
  • Substitute gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-free.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken dish, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food casserole

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