Introducing the epitome of comfort food: the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. With its creamy, cheesy, and undeniably rich composition, this dish brings a touch of luxury to dinner tables without an extravagant price tag or complex steps. Perfect for cozy nights or when you want to wow your guests with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uncomplicated Elegance: With readily available ingredients, this dish becomes a culinary adventure that’s as classy as it is straightforward.
- Creamy Perfection: The combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a velvety smooth texture that is pure decadence.
- Unforgettable Crust: The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
- Family Favorite: This casserole is bound to impress both young and old, making it perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole are not only simple but create an orchestra of flavors and textures that dance together in harmony. Let’s see how each element adds its magic touch.
- Chopped cooked chicken: Provides a hearty base, offering a comforting protein that’s both satisfying and versatile.
- Cream cheese: Brings a rich, creamy texture that melts perfectly into the casserole, providing that “million dollar” feel.
- Cottage cheese: Adds moisture and a slight tang, enhancing the overall creaminess without overpowering.
- Sour cream: Introduces a subtle acidity that balances flavors while reinforcing the creamy consistency.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a flavor enhancer, enriching the casserole with a savory depth.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle yet fragrant garlic flavor that elevates the dish with its aromatic notes.
- Dried onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile with a sweet and savory onion taste.
- Ritz crackers: The crushed crackers provide a buttery, crunchy topping that is simply irresistible.
- Butter: Melds with the crackers to create a golden, crispy topping that completes the casserole beautifully.
Variations
The beauty of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to tailor it to your family’s tastes or dietary needs—because a personal touch makes every recipe shine even brighter.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with a medley of roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a colorful and nutritious twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to introduce some heat for those who crave a spicy punch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers to ensure everyone can enjoy this creamy delight!
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Mix
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle this delightful topping over the casserole. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Perfect Blend: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to mix effortlessly with other ingredients, creating a smooth and cohesive filling.
- Time Saver: Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time while adding a delightful roasted flavor to your casserole.
- Cracker Crust Crispiness: For an extra crispy topping, wait until the last few minutes of baking to place the dish under the broiler, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Customize the Crunch: Mix in some slivered almonds or crushed pecans with the crackers for additional texture and nutty flavor.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
Top your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and an aromatic touch. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can also add a subtle umami kick to each creamy bite.
Side Dishes
This savory casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For those who love their carbs, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or fluffy mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a whimsical touch, serve individual portions in ramekins or small casserole dishes. Or, create a family-style presentation by spooning the casserole from its baking dish into a decorated serving bowl, garnished with fresh herbs for a warm, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep its deliciously satisfying flavors for up to three days.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer-friendly hit! Prepare up to the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until heated through. For individual portions, microwaving for 1-2 minutes works well too, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream, offering similar creaminess with a bit more tang and fewer calories.
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What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
If Ritz crackers are unavailable, try using breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different, but equally delightful, crunch.
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Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
Yes, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt, and use a vegan “cream of” soup for a delicious dairy-free dish.
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Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Certainly! Prepare the casserole a day early, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand to lose some chill.
Final Thoughts
It’s time to elevate your dinner game with the indulgently delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Whether it’s a weeknight to cherish or a special occasion to celebrate, this dish promises richness and satisfaction in every spoonful. So, gather your loved ones and dive into a meal that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and savory baked chicken casserole topped with crunchy Ritz crackers, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a potluck contribution.
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
Dairy and Canned Goods
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried onion powder
Cracker Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Butter
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well blended. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare cracker topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until coated evenly. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to bake.
- For a crispier topping, bake it a little longer or broil briefly at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
