Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is one of those delightful meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Let me share a little backstory: this recipe has woven itself into my family traditions over the years, often gracing our table during cozy Sunday dinners or potluck gatherings. It’s not just a dish; it’s a symbol of love and togetherness, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why I call it "Million Dollar."
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start? This casserole is the epitome of comfort food. You’ve got tender, shredded chicken enveloped in a creamy, dreamy mixture that makes each bite feel indulgent, yet it’s deceptively easy to whip up. The cream cheese adds a luxurious texture, while the sour cream and cottage cheese bring a tangy richness that plays perfectly against the savory chicken. And let’s not forget the Ritz crackers on top—the world’s simple answer to elevating a dish with buttery crunch!
What makes this casserole uniquely special is its versatility. You can throw it together in about 10 minutes, and it bakes up to a golden bubbly masterpiece while you unwind. Serve it on a weeknight or dress it up for guests; either way, it’s bound to impress. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll soon be part of your go-to comfort repertoire.
Gather These Ingredients
Before you dive in, let’s assemble our lovely cast of ingredients that come together like a well-rehearsed choir.
- 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned to get that flavor punch!
- 4 oz cream cheese: Set this out to reach room temperature—it’s crucial for a smooth blend.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: This adds a delightful creaminess and a touch of protein. You can use low-fat or even sour cream if you want to switch it up.
- ½ cup sour cream: Rich and tangy, sour cream amplifies the creaminess!
- 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup: This is a classic binder that ties everything together beautifully without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Just enough to give it that fragrant warmth.
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder: Adds a subtle depth without the bite of fresh onions.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: This buttery topping is a game changer!
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted: Ah, butter—the secret ingredient that brings everything to life.
Preparing Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps ensure an even bake.
- Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray—this will prevent any sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until it’s beautifully blended; the goal is a smooth, creamy filling.
- Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. It should look luscious!
- Combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a separate bowl. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated and become this delicious buttery crumb.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture generously over the chicken mixture. This creates a mouthwatering crust as it bakes.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells like pure bliss.
Best Way to Enjoy It
This casserole is pure comfort on its own, but if you want to amp up the meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, or some steamed vegetables for color and nutrients. For a nice touch, a side of garlic bread never hurts—who could resist?
How to Store and Reheat
So, if you find yourself with leftovers—lucky you! You can keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until it’s hot throughout. And if you’re planning ahead, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly and it’ll keep up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, pop it straight into the oven at 350°F for about an hour, or until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t skimp on the cheeses! Cream cheese and cottage cheese combined create that dreamy consistency.
- Feel free to add veggies like peas or spinach into the chicken mixture for a nutritional bump—just be sure to sauté them first to release any moisture.
- Let it sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps it set up a little, making it easier to scoop.
Creative Twists
Think of this dish as a blank canvas. Swap out the chicken for diced turkey if you have some on hand. Want to mix up the flavor profile? Try using a can of cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for an earthy twist. You can also toss in some shredded cheese on top of the cracker crust for an extra cheesy delight!
Ingredients List
- 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 to Follow
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup.
- Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter; sprinkle over chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Your Questions Answered
1. Can I use uncooked chicken? Yes, but make sure it’s cut into small pieces and cook it longer until done!
2. Is this dish suitable for freezing? Absolutely! Just prepare it before baking and freeze it wrapped well.
3. Can I add vegetables? Of course—peppers, peas, or corn work well if you sauté them first.
4. What’s a good side dish? A fresh salad or roasted veggies complements it nicely.
5. Can I make this gluten-free? Sure! Use gluten-free cracker crumbs instead.
I hope you feel inspired to dive into this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole adventure! Each bite is a reminder that life—and cooking—should be enjoyed. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out and any fun adjustments you decide to make. Happy cooking!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy dish filled with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, a savory binder, and topped with crunchy Ritz crackers.Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
Directions
Preparing the Casserole
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F.Prepare Baking Dish
Spray a 9x9-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray.This will prevent sticking.Mix the Casserole Filling
In a bowl, mix chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup.Mix until it's beautifully blended.Spread Mixture
Spread the mixture into the baking dish.It should look luscious!Prepare Broth Crust
In another bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter; sprinkle over chicken mixture.This creates a mouthwatering crust.Bake
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.You'll know it's done when your kitchen smells amazing.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33g51%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 100mg34%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 800 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 20 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 30 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 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.
