Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for family dinners. With tender chicken, rich cheeses, and a crispy cracker topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

A close-up view of a spoonful of chicken casserole showing thick layers of creamy white sauce mixed with chunks of golden-brown baked chicken. The top layer is covered with crunchy, crumbly bright orange topping mixed with green herb sprinkles, giving a rough texture. The background is filled with the same casserole, blurred to highlight the spoonful in front. The Spoon is wooden, held from the right side, bringing focus to the creamy and crispy contrast. The image is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture before baking.
  • Substitute crushed crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs if you don’t have Ritz crackers.
  • You can add chopped vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add convenience.

Storage

Store any 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 about 15 minutes or until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a creamy casserole in a white dish on a white marbled surface. The dish has visible layers starting with a creamy white base mixed with small chunks, topped with a crunchy golden-brown crumb layer sprinkled with green herbs. A wooden spoon scoops out a portion, lifting the soft, creamy inside and crispy topping together. The textures contrast between smooth creaminess and rough crumbled topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use fresh chicken, but make sure to cook and chop it before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly and thoroughly in the baking process.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with homemade cream sauce or any cream-based soup like cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it is unsalted or adjust seasoning accordingly.

Print
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken combined with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and a savory cream of chicken soup base. Topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers for a delightful crunch, this casserole is perfect for an easy family dinner or potluck.


Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Mix chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, room temperature cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and the can of cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
  3. Spread mixture: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a smooth layer.
  4. Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated and crumbly.
  5. Add topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
  6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
  7. Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked chicken such as rotisserie or boiled chicken for convenience.
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily into the mixture.
  • For a lower fat version, use low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream.
  • Ensure the topping is evenly distributed for a consistent crunchy crust.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven until warmed through.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

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