Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level. This recipe layers juicy cooked chicken with a creamy, cheesy filling and tops everything with a buttery, crisp cracker crust. It is quick to put together and bakes into a bubbling golden crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. My family always asks for seconds and there are rarely any leftovers.

I tried this casserole first at a family reunion and brought a big pan home to share with my neighbors. Now it goes on rotation for potlucks and family dinners because everyone wants the recipe.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken shredded into bite-sized pieces: Choose rotisserie or freshly poached chicken for best flavor
• Cream cheese softened: to easily blend for extra richness
• Cottage cheese: brings protein and a creamy texture Use full-fat for best results
• Sour cream: rounds out the sauce and adds tang
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: gives a savory base Choose a good quality brand with rich flavor
• Garlic powder: enhances the savory notes and brings depth
• Onion powder: lifts the overall flavor balance
• Ritz crackers crushed: for a golden crisp topping Choose fresh crackers for the best crunch
• Unsalted butter melted: to coat the crackers and create a crave-worthy crust

Check that your dairy is at room temperature so the mixture blends smoothly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it is fully heated for perfect bubbling and browning.

Prepare the Chicken:

Shred your cooked chicken into evenly sized small pieces. Smaller shreds distribute flavor and cook evenly with the casserole.

Mix the Base Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine softened cream cheese cottage cheese sour cream cream of chicken soup garlic powder and onion powder. Beat well until the mixture is completely creamy without lumps.

Combine Chicken with Mixture:

Add the shredded chicken into the creamy base. Gently fold the chicken throughout the sauce so every piece is well coated.

Spread in Casserole Dish:

Lightly grease a nine by nine inch baking dish. Pour your chicken mixture evenly into the dish smoothing the top for even baking.

Prepare the Topping:

Place your Ritz crackers into a bowl and crush them into coarse crumbs using your hands or a rolling pin. Pour the melted butter over the crumbs and toss to evenly coat every bit.

Assemble and Bake:

Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over your casserole. Place the dish in the oven uncovered. Bake for about forty minutes until the top is golden and you see bubbling around the edges.

Serve Hot:

Once it is baked let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and slicing is easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if you wish.

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My favorite part is the buttery Ritz topping It reminds me of my grandma’s old recipes where nothing went to waste and every meal felt special. Every time I make this dish I remember gathering around the table and laughing together over seconds and thirds.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. If making ahead freeze unbaked in a well-sealed container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover turkey for a post-holiday treat. Greek yogurt can stand in for sour cream and Neufchâtel offers a lighter option than regular cream cheese. For a gluten-free version use gluten-free buttery crackers in place of Ritz.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with simple sides like roasted broccoli or a bright green salad to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a scoop of fluffy rice soaks up every bit of sauce. For something fresh try serving with a fruit salad or tangy coleslaw.

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Cultural Historical Context

Casseroles like this have roots in midcentury American home cooking combining convenience foods with wholesome ingredients for family dinners. The topping of buttery crackers echoes the classic comfort foods many of us grew up with making this dish as nostalgic as it is delicious.

Commonly Asked Questions

→ How can I make the casserole creamier?

Make sure all your dairy ingredients are at room temperature and well blended before baking. Using full-fat options enhances creaminess.

→ Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas before baking for added flavor and nutrition.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

→ Is it possible to freeze this dish?

Absolutely! Freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

→ Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Definitely. Pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie or leftovers work great and save prep time.