Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a favorite for many families because it’s comforting, creamy, and easy to prepare. It combines tender chicken with a rich blend of cheeses and flavorful ingredients, all topped with buttery Ritz crackers. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special gathering. Plus, it is a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time!

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

• 4.5 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp dried onion powder
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
• 5 Tbsp butter (melted)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. In another bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Mix until the crackers are well coated.
5. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the chicken layer.
6. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is hot and golden brown on top.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Serve this delicious casserole hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For extra flavor, you can add some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese on top right before serving.

How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can be kept for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother texture.
• You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe, which saves time.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding a bit of paprika or pepper can enhance the flavor.

Variation

For a twist, you can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish more nutritious.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before mixing.

2. Is it necessary to use specific brands of cream soup or cheese?
No, you can use any brand that you prefer. Just make sure they are unsalted if you are watching your sodium intake.

3. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.