Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish. You mix cooked chicken with soft cheeses and a crunchy cracker topping. It cooks in one pan and feeds a family well.
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Why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is simple and filling. It uses common ingredients and takes little hands-on time. Kids and adults like the creamy mix and the crunchy top. You can serve it for dinner, potlucks, or a cold night when you want comfort food.
How to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Preheat the oven and get a 9×9-inch pan ready. Mix the chicken with the soft cheeses and soup. Press the mix into the pan and add the cracker topping. Bake until hot and bubbly and the top is golden. This dish has a creamy base like other easy bakes, such as a cheesy onion and chicken orzo casserole: French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole.
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)
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Spread into prepared pan.
- Combine crushed crackers and butter, sprinkle over chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered 30 to 40 minutes.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
A rich and creamy baked dish made with cooked chicken, soft cheeses, and a crunchy cracker topping.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Spread into prepared pan.
- Combine crushed crackers and butter, sprinkle over chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until hot and bubbly and the top is golden.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes, cut into squares, and serve.
Notes
Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time. Soften cream cheese for easier mixing. Crush crackers finely for an even topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
How to serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes after baking. Cut into squares and serve on plates. It goes well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or rice. For a fuller meal, add a side of mashed potatoes or roasted carrots.
How to store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover the pan with foil or move portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To freeze, wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF until hot, or warm single portions in the microwave.
Tips to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature so it mixes easily.
- Crush crackers finely for an even topping.
- If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for part of baking time.
- Taste the mix before baking and add a bit more salt or pepper if needed.
Variations
- Add frozen peas or chopped broccoli to the chicken mix for extra veg.
- Swap Ritz crackers for panko or crushed potato chips for a different crunch.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor.
If you like creamy chicken casseroles, try this similar recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole for another easy idea.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Yes. Drain the chicken well and chop any large pieces before mixing.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free crackers in place of the Ritz crackers and check the soup label for gluten-free status.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers so they stay crisp on top?
A: Reheat in the oven at 350ºF uncovered for 10–15 minutes. Or use a toaster oven for single portions.
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble in the pan, cover, and chill up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking for best crunch.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is an easy, creamy, and comforting dish. It uses simple ingredients and works well for family meals and gatherings. Follow the steps and tips for a tasty bake that stores and reheats well. Enjoy!
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