Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Are you searching for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that everyone will rave about? Look no further than this incredible Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! It features tender chicken enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish quickly becomes a family favorite, bringing smiles to the dinner table without all the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifesaver for busy home cooks!

Delving into the culinary appeal, explore the scientific reasons behind our love for comforting dishes.

• Comforting, Rich, and Cheesy Flavor: Every bite delivers a heartwarming combination that satisfies.
• Quick Prep & Minimal Effort: You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even picky eaters love this dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Prepare it in advance or freeze for later, making meal prep a breeze.
• Versatile for Customization: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

To make this amazing Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, gather these simple 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

Notes & Substitutions

You have options for several ingredients in this chicken casserole to make it perfect for your family.

• Chicken: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for speed. Cooked chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully too. You can even use leftover turkey!
• Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly into the creamy filling without lumps.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Opt for unsalted or low-sodium versions to control the seasoning. You can also use a homemade cream of chicken soup or a gluten-free alternative if needed.
• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a sharp Colby for extra flavor.
• Cracker Topping: If you don’t have Ritz, try crushed saltines, cornflakes, or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools for this easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

• A 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar size like an 8×12-inch)
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Creating your delightful Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is straightforward with these easy steps. Follow along for a smooth cooking experience.

Step 1: Prep Oven & Dish

First, preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C). Then, lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set the prepared dish aside while you assemble the creamy filling. This small step ensures your delicious casserole won’t stick.

Step 2: Combine Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, and cottage cheese. Add the sour cream, unsalted cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and dried onion powder. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture looks smooth and consistent. Take your time to really mix it thoroughly for the best texture in your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

Step 3: Assemble Casserole

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into your prepared 9×9-inch baking dish. In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery cracker topping generously and evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. This creates that irresistible golden crust.

Step 4: Bake

Place the assembled casserole into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. The casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown. If you want, you can check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). Carefully remove the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole perfect every time with these helpful tips!

• Shredding Chicken: A stand mixer with a paddle attachment can shred cooked chicken in seconds for extra convenience.
• Soft Cream Cheese: Always ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy filling.
• Preventing Soggy Topping: Don’t add the cracker topping until just before baking. This keeps it crisp and golden.
• Season to Taste: Taste the chicken mixture before adding the topping. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for your preference.
• Too Thin/Thick: If the filling seems too thin, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch. If too thick, a splash of milk or chicken broth will help.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is wonderfully versatile for serving and customization!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve it over fluffy white rice or delicate egg noodles to soak up all the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a simple fresh green salad dressed with a vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Offer roasted or steamed vegetables like tender green beans or crisp broccoli on the side.
• Include a slice of warm, crusty bread or cheesy garlic bread to complete your meal.

Recipe Variations

• Mixed Vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) with the chicken mixture.
• Mushrooms or Spinach: Sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach leaves add extra depth and nutrition.
• Bell Peppers & Onions: Diced bell peppers or finely chopped onions can be sautéed and added to the filling.
• Different Topping: Experiment with crushed cornflakes, French fried onions, or even a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can give your casserole a subtle heat.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

Make Ahead: Assemble the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For safe storage and quality, consult official guidelines on freezing prepared dishes.

Freezing: You can freeze the casserole baked or unbaked. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will last for up to 3 months.

Thawing & Reheating: Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat covered with foil at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to crisp the topping.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole knowing its nutritional value.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and cooking methods. Individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken is best for this casserole?

Cooked chicken is best; a rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience, or you can use leftover baked or boiled chicken breasts or thighs.

Can I prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate, then bake as directed.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole freezes wonderfully, either baked or unbaked, for up to 3 months.

What vegetables can I add to the casserole?

Peas, carrots, corn, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms are all excellent additions. Add them directly to the chicken mixture.

Can I use a different cream of soup?

You can certainly substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred, though cream of chicken offers the classic flavor.

How long do leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole truly lives up to its name, delivering a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy parents and beginners looking for a comforting dish that tastes amazing and pleases everyone at the table. Give this easy recipe a try for your next family dinner; it’s sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe rotation for delicious weeknights.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

A rich and creamy chicken casserole topped with buttery Ritz crackers, perfect for a comforting family meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
• 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5-oz)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp dried onion powder

Topping

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
• 5 Tbsp butter melted

Equipment

• Oven
• 9x9-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Cooking spray

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Topping & Baking

1. In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken casserole.
2. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing into the chicken mixture. You can also add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture before adding the cracker topping for extra cheesy flavor and richness.