Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that will wow your family or guests, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is the perfect choice! Packed with tender chicken, a decadent creamy filling, and topped with a buttery, crunchy crust, this casserole lives up to its luxurious name. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

this Recipe

What is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole gets its name from its rich and creamy filling that tastes like a million bucks! It’s made with shredded chicken mixed into a creamy base of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, and topped with crispy crackers or breadcrumbs. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, resulting in a deliciously comforting meal.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that serves about 6-8 people:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredients List for Additional Variations

Here are some optional ingredients and variations you can use to customize your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

• For extra flavor: Add cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham to the filling.
• Healthier version: Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. You can also swap cream of chicken soup for homemade white sauce.
• Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrition and texture.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Substitutions and Variations

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to adapt it to your liking:

1. Chicken Substitutes: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with cooked, shredded turkey or even diced ham for a different flavor.
2. Cream Cheese Substitute: If you're not a fan of cream cheese, you can replace it with ricotta cheese or mascarpone for a lighter texture.
3. Cottage Cheese: While cottage cheese gives this casserole its creamy texture, you can swap it out for ricotta cheese or use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
4. Toppings: Ritz crackers add a nice buttery crunch, but you can also top the casserole with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even French fried onions for added texture.
5. Vegetables: For a heartier meal, add cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli to the casserole. You can also add frozen peas or carrots for more flavor and color.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these easy steps to prepare your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth and well combined. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring the chicken is well coated.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

Fold in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the mixture. This adds extra creaminess and cheesy goodness to the casserole.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. First Layer: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
2. Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated with the butter.
3. Final Layer: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, creating a crunchy, buttery topping.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve warm with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

1. Not softening the cream cheese: If your cream cheese isn’t softened, it won’t mix smoothly into the other ingredients, resulting in lumps. Make sure to let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
2. Overbaking the casserole: Be careful not to overbake the casserole, as this can cause the filling to dry out. Bake just until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through.
3. Using too much liquid: Make sure your chicken is drained well before adding it to the casserole, as excess liquid can make the filling watery.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rustic and comforting dish, you can still elevate its presentation with a few easy touches.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

1. Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal. Let everyone scoop out their portions and enjoy.
2. Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, spoon the casserole into individual bowls or plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds color and a burst of freshness.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Add a Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds or fried onions on top of the casserole before serving.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake it when you're ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it's cold from the fridge.
2. Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Prepare the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
3. Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a large group or want leftovers, simply double the recipe and bake in two 9x13-inch dishes. This is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prepping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients as directed.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers, and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes! You can add cooked vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. With its tender shredded chicken, cheesy filling, and buttery cracker topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the classic version or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

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