If there’s one dish that captures comfort and indulgence in a single bite, it’s the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This sumptuous casserole is a medley of creamy, cheesy goodness complemented by a crispy, buttery cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish is sure to win hearts and requests for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Delight: The combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup creates a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Crispy Topping: Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with butter produce a golden, crunchy crust that perfectly balances the creamy interior.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a surefire hit with kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family meals.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can have this fabulous casserole ready for the oven in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.
- Cooked and shredded chicken: Provides the hearty base of the casserole, and you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Cream cheese: Adds a rich and creamy element that binds the ingredients together.
- Cottage cheese: This adds a subtle tang and moisture to the dish without overshadowing other flavors.
- Sour cream: Enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: A pantry staple that deepens the flavor profile, offering subtle spices and creaminess.
- Garlic and onion powder: Essential for infusing the casserole with savory depth.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed for a crispy, buttery topping that contrasts with the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter: Helps achieve the perfect texture and golden color for the cracker topping.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to put your spin on the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or personal tastes, this recipe is delightfully adaptable.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a meat-free version that’s equally hearty.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a spicy variation that packs a punch.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an extra cheese explosion.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This is also the perfect time to shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Trust me, this little bit of prep work goes a long way in ensuring each bite is delightful.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well blended. This creamy concoction is what will give your casserole its dreamy texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Add the shredded chicken to the creamy mixture, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated. Pour this mixture into a 9×9 baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistency in cooking.
Step 4: Create the Topping
In a separate bowl, take a sleeve of Ritz crackers, and crush them into small pieces. Add the melted butter and toss to combine. Spread this mixture evenly over the casserole. The buttery Ritz topping is the crowning glory of this dish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake your casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered, for about 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole while it’s warm.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Perfect Chicken Texture: If you prefer a finer texture, pulse the chicken briefly in a food processor after shredding.
- Cracker Topping Magic: To get the crunchiest topping, ensure the crackers are well crushed and evenly coated in butter.
- Flavor Infusion: Mix in some finely chopped herbs like thyme or parsley into the cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Leftover Reinvention: Premake the casserole and refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld together for an even richer taste the next day.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley leaves not only adds a pop of color but also lends a hint of freshness that cuts through the creaminess of the casserole. Optional but highly recommended!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Their fresh crispness provides a delightful contrast to the rich casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at any dinner party. It’s an elegant twist on a family classic that will surely impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer the contents to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days for best freshness and taste.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream! Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in an oven preheated at 325°F until heated through, or zap individual portions in the microwave, ensuring to cover for even heating. Either way, the casserole will warm up perfectly without losing its creamy goodness.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works beautifully in the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, offering a wonderful way to repurpose holiday leftovers!
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What can I substitute for the Ritz crackers?
You can substitute Ritz crackers with any buttery, flaky crackers like club crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.
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Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure that all ingredients, like soup and crackers, are gluten-free. Many brands offer great alternatives that work just as well.
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Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli is a fantastic idea to increase the nutritional value without compromising on flavor.
Final Thoughts
Gather your loved ones and dive into a comforting meal with this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s heartwarming and delightful, with a flavor that will linger in your memory and at your dining table. Enjoy the process of making and sharing a dish that’s as rich in taste as it is in the smiles it’s sure to bring! Happy cooking!
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole that combines tender shredded chicken with a savory blend of cheeses and crispy Ritz cracker topping, baked to perfection for a comforting family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cheese
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 1/2 lbs of boneless chicken breasts)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 10.75 oz condensed cream of chicken soup (do NOT add water or milk)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Cracker Topping
- 32 Ritz crackers (1 sleeve)
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare chicken: Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Mix creamy base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Add chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the creamy mixture and stir to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture into a 9×9-inch casserole dish.
- Make cracker topping: In a separate medium bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into small crumbs. Pour in the melted butter and toss until evenly coated.
- Assemble casserole: Spread the Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 40 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with chopped parsley before serving for added color and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add shredded cheese on top before baking or mix in additional herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the mixture.
- This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
