Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors and simple preparation. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for busy weeks. With its creamy texture and delicious topping of Ritz crackers, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes you feel like you’re enjoying something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole can be prepared in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors and creamy texture, even picky eaters will love this chicken casserole.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and freeze it for later, ensuring you always have a delicious meal on hand.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup creates a taste that feels luxurious.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or customize with your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Tools and Preparation
To make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking spray
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×9-inch baking dish: Perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Mixing bowls: Helps in combining all ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of bowls to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base
- 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 the 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. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the chopped chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup.
2. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
3. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
Step 3: Add the Topping
In a separate bowl:
1. Combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
2. Mix until all crumbs are coated with butter.
3. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the chicken casserole.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole as an easy main course that everyone will love!
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Serving Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is simple yet rewarding. This dish is not only hearty but also versatile, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Garden Salad: A mix of greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes dressed lightly adds freshness that complements the casserole.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy Caesar dressing pairs well with the richness of the casserole, enhancing the overall meal.
Enjoy with Bread
- Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast and is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls can be served warm, allowing guests to enjoy them alongside the creamy goodness of the casserole.
Add Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges of Brussels sprouts bring a delightful taste that enhances the dish.
How to Perfect Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
To make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole even better, consider these tips.
- Choose Cooked Chicken Wisely: Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
- Mix Ingredients Thoroughly: Ensure that all ingredients are combined well for even distribution of flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to add more garlic or onion powder based on your personal preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cream cheese and cottage cheese will enhance the texture and taste significantly.
- Cover While Baking (Optional): If you prefer a softer top, cover the dish in the first half of baking time.
Best Side Dishes for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Pairing your casserole with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious suggestions:
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil makes a light and flavorful side.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the richness of the casserole beautifully.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that balances the creamy casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn enhances flavor while adding a pop of color to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with herbs adds a healthy twist to your meal.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans offer a hearty addition that pairs well with chicken dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect your final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Using cold cream cheese: Always ensure cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it blend smoothly with other ingredients, preventing clumps in your casserole.
- Not seasoning properly: Skipping seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder can make your casserole bland. Adjust these according to your taste for a more flavorful dish.
- Overcooking the casserole: Keep an eye on your casserole while baking. Overcooking can dry it out. Aim for a golden top, which usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Forgetting the butter on crackers: The crushed Ritz crackers need melted butter for that crispy texture. Don’t skip this step if you want a delightful topping.
- Using the wrong baking dish: Ensure you use a 9×9-inch baking dish as specified. A different size may change cooking times and affect the casserole’s texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Consider portioning out servings for easy reheating later.
Reheating Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350ºF and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, gently stir until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
How can I make my Million Dollar Chicken Casserole healthier?
You can substitute low-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese for lighter options without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe and adds great flavor.
Is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy texture and crunchy topping make it appealing to kids, making it an ideal family meal.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its creamy texture combined with the crunch of Ritz crackers makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or spices that suit your palate. Give this comforting dish a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy textures and rich flavors, making it a go-to dish for family dinners or potlucks. This easy chicken casserole is quick to prepare, taking just 10 minutes to assemble before popping it in the oven. Topped with crispy Ritz crackers and filled with tender chicken, cream cheese, and cottage cheese, this dish is not only satisfying but also appealing to even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or hosting friends, this crowd-pleaser will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the luxurious taste of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole today!
Ingredients
- 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 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
- 5 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat 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 until smooth. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- In another bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the casserole mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole (approximately 180g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
