There’s something incredibly comforting about a chicken casserole. As the cold weather rolls in, I find myself gravitating toward recipes that are not just filling but also warm and downright delicious. This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole has been my absolute go-to for cozy family dinners. It’s a bit of nostalgia for me—my grandmother used to make it when I was little, and it was always a hit. Every bite is a hug from the inside, where flavors meld beautifully, making it staple-worthy for any dinner table.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This casserole is like a classic rock song—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone knows and loves! It’s got layers of rich, creamy flavors melding together, and the buttery cracker topping gives it that incredible crunch you didn’t know you needed in your life. Not only does it taste heavenly, but it also comes together in a flash, using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just picture it: you’re home from a long day, and in under an hour, you’ve whipped up an incredible meal that warms both belly and soul.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a dish that’s both beautifully indulgent yet effortlessly simple? The combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a velvety base that’ll make you want to dive right in. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, so whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just feeding your family, this casserole has your back. And it’s versatile: you can make it your own with the little twists and tweaks you love—keep reading for ideas!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for this ultimate comfort food. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the symphony of flavors that makes this casserole sing.
Chopped cooked chicken (4½ cups or approx 680 g): This is the star of the show! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or use leftovers from a previous dinner. Either way, you want tender, juicy bites to make this dish shine.
Cream cheese (4 oz, room temperature or 115 g): This creamy beauty brings a richness that binds everything together. Don’t skip letting it warm up to room temp; it’ll blend more smoothly.
Cottage cheese (1 cup or 225 g): Wonderfully creamy, cottage cheese adds a slight tanginess and texture. If you’re not a fan, you can sub in ricotta for a different spin.
Sour cream (½ cup or 115 g): A dollop of sour cream brings extra creaminess and just the right tang to balance everything out.
Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 oz or 295 g): This classic ingredient adds a savory backbone and makes the casserole moist and luscious.
Garlic powder (¼ tsp) & dried onion powder (¼ tsp): These seasonings whisper little hints of flavor throughout the casserole. Fresh garlic works too—just sauté it lightly before adding for that extra dimension.
Buttery crackers (1 sleeve, crushed about 35 crackers): This is where the magic happens! The crushed crackers on top add a delightful crunch and buttery flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand!
Melted butter (5 Tbsp or 70 g): A drizzle of melted butter brings richness to the crackers and ensures they get golden and crispy in the oven.
Preparing Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ready to get cooking? This casserole is deceptively simple, and I’m here to arm you with the insider tips that make it a showstopper!
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden topping.
Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticky situations—trust me, you want to say goodbye to casserole cleanup struggles!
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of mushroom soup. Use your trusty spatula to mix everything until beautifully blended. It should look creamy and inviting!
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Get it nice and flat; this isn’t just about looks—layering helps it cook evenly.
Now, onto the buttery topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. The goal is to coat them well, so each bit gets that golden richness.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken blend; this is where the “million-dollar” part comes in!
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it approaches the 30-minute mark; you want that top to be golden brown and oh-so-crispy, while the mixture underneath is bubbling—just the kind of cozy you want on a chilly night!
Best way to enjoy it
Now you have this glorious casserole out of the oven, and it’s begging to be served! The serving suggestions are as endless as your imagination. This dish pairs gloriously with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed veggies like broccoli and carrots for a pop of color and nutrients.
For a fun twist, serve it with a dollop of salsa or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top. Want to take it a step further? Offer some crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side for sopping up that creamy goodness.
Storage and reheating tips
Perhaps you lucked out and are facing some leftovers (or maybe you planned ahead for lunch tomorrow!). Either way, you’ll want to know how to keep this casserole fresh.
To store: Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your friend! Just cover it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it’ll keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC), cover it with foil, and bake until warmed through. If it’s frozen, you might want to let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for even cooking.
Helpful cooking tips
Speaking of tips, I’ve got a few handy ones to enhance your casserole game:
Add some veggies! Consider tossing in some steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms into the chicken mix for added nutrition and extra flavor.
Season with love. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go. A pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can elevate the dish beautifully, and it’s totally up to your liking!
Bake it in individual ramekins for a fun presentation. Plus, it’s a great way to control portions.
Creative Twists
This casserole is a blank canvas waiting for your genius hand. Here are a few fun variations:
- Herbs & spices: Swap in your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic kick.
- Cheesy goodness: Want to take the creaminess over the top? Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Crispy toppings: Crushed potato chips or panko bread crumbs can add delightful texture.
Feel free to experiment; every twist can bring a fresh take on this already fabulous dish.
Ingredients list
- 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken (approx 680 g)
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (115 g)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (225 g)
- ½ cup sour cream (115 g)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (295 g)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed (35 crackers)
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted (70 g)
Directions to follow
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of mushroom soup. Spread into prepared pan.
- In another bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter; sprinkle over chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Your questions answered
What can I substitute for chicken? Try turkey, or for a vegetarian option, swap in cooked quinoa or chickpeas!
Can I use non-dairy ingredients? Absolutely! Look for non-dairy cream cheese, sour cream, and substitutes for cottage cheese.
How does the baking time change for larger batches? If you double the recipe, you may need a longer bake time—just check for that bubbling goodness!
What can I serve with it? Almost any vegetable side works well, or crusty bread for that comfort food experience. On the lighter side, a fresh salad is a great counterpart.
How long will leftovers last? In the fridge, they can last 3-4 days, or freeze for up to three months.
I hope you feel inspired to try this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, whether it’s for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The warmth and love put into this dish will surely make it a new favorite in your home, just as it is in mine. Go ahead, take a leap of faith—experiment a little, and most importantly, savor every delightful bite! Remember, the kitchen is your playground, and there’s nothing better than sharing delicious creations with those you love. Happy cooking!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a warm and filling dish that combines layers of creamy flavors with a crunchy cracker topping, making it perfect for any family dinner.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden topping.Prepare Baking Dish
Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.This prevents sticky situations—trust me, you want to say goodbye to casserole cleanup struggles!Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of mushroom soup.Use a spatula to mix everything until beautifully blended. It should look creamy and inviting!Spread Mixture
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.Get it nice and flat; layering helps it cook evenly.Prepare Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter.Coat them well so each bit gets that golden richness.Top the Casserole
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken blend.This is where the 'million-dollar' part comes in!Bake
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes.Keep an eye on it as it approaches the 30-minute mark; you want that top to be golden brown and crispy, while the mixture underneath is bubbling.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 95mg32%
- Sodium 920mg39%
- Potassium 620mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 700 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.15 mg
- Riboflavin 0.4 mg
- Niacin 6 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
- Folate 15 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.1 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
