Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks. This creamy, savory casserole combines tender chicken with rich cheeses and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it truly tastes like a million bucks! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this casserole will not disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy flavors make it a hit with children and adults alike.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this casserole in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
- Versatile Ingredients: It’s customizable; feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to suit your taste.
- Satisfying Meal: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a hearty dish that will fill you up.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking spray
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×9-inch baking dish: The perfect size for even cooking and serving portions.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly before baking.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after enjoying your meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 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
For Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 5 Tbsp butter (melted)
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. While it’s heating up, lightly spray your 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Casserole Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Chopped cooked chicken
2. Cream cheese
3. Cottage cheese
4. Sour cream
5. Garlic powder
6. Onion powder
7. Cream of chicken soup
Mix until everything is well combined. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In another bowl, mix together:
1. Crushed Ritz crackers
2. Melted butter
Once combined, sprinkle this topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Enjoy your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, a meal that’s sure to impress!
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Serving Million Dollar Chicken Casserole can be as creative as you like! This dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens adds freshness and crunch.
- Caesar Salad: The creaminess of Caesar dressing complements the casserole perfectly.
Complementary Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a delicious addition that everyone loves.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be used to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tasty Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides a nutritious balance to the rich casserole.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots add color and flavor contrast to the meal.
Flavorful Sauces
- Hot Sauce: A splash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors for those who enjoy a kick.
- Chutney: A fruit chutney can add a sweet and tangy element that enhances the dish.
How to Perfect Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
To ensure your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Cooked Chicken: Using leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken speeds up prep time and enhances flavor.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Letting cream cheese sit out before mixing ensures it blends smoothly without lumps.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak garlic powder or onion powder according to your taste preferences.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can dry out the casserole. Aim for a bubbly top!
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different toppings like shredded cheese or herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight for an easy bake day.
Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Pairing side dishes with your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds add elegance and crunch.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the creamy casserole and adds zest.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad brings protein and texture, making it a wholesome choice.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream make for a comforting side.
- Corn on the Cob: Juicy corn on the cob is always a hit during summer gatherings.
- Fruit Salad: A bright fruit salad provides sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.
- Skipping the room temperature cream cheese: Using cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your casserole. Always allow it to reach room temperature for a smoother mixture.
- Overbaking the casserole: Baking too long can dry out the chicken and make the dish tough. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness after 30 minutes.
- Not seasoning adequately: Failing to add enough garlic or onion powder can result in a bland flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a flavorful casserole.
- Ignoring the resting time: Cutting into your casserole immediately after baking can cause it to fall apart. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Using low-quality crackers: The topping is crucial for texture. Opt for high-quality Ritz crackers for the best crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and bake covered with foil until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of water, cover, and heat over low until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that may help you perfect your dish.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. It saves you time and adds great flavor!
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
You can use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt as an alternative in your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze your casserole before or after baking. Just remember to store it properly.
How do I know when my casserole is done?
Your casserole is ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and has a golden topping. A food thermometer should read at least 165ºF in the center.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is not just a meal; it’s comfort food at its finest! This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re making it ahead of time or feeding a crowd, this dish promises satisfaction with every bite. Give it a try today!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, savory delight that brings comfort to any dining table. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, rich cheeses, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for weeknight dinners. In just a few steps, you’ll have a satisfying casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying with the family. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply craving comfort food, this recipe will undoubtedly impress everyone.
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 your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
