Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. With tender chicken and a crunchy cracker topping, it’s simple to prepare but delivers rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: 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 well until evenly combined. Spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the dish.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra cheesy twist, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and added flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker topping, add more crushed crackers or mix some Parmesan cheese into the cracker topping.
- Swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you want a smoother texture.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350ºF oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?
Absolutely. Saltine crackers or buttery breadcrumbs work well, but Ritz crackers add a nice buttery crunch that complements the creamy filling.
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken blended with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers, it delivers a crunchy golden crust over a rich and savory filling, perfect for a family dinner or potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Spread this creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling in the pan, ensuring a nice coverage to create a crispy topping during baking.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from cold.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute light cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
- To add a bit of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Ensure the cracker topping does not burn by checking the casserole at the 30-minute mark, and tent with foil if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food, easy dinner
