Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

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There’s something truly special about a delicious casserole, especially when it’s loaded with creamy goodness and comforting flavors.

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a dish that combines tender shredded chicken with a rich and delightful creamy sauce, topped off with a buttery crunch.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your friends at a potluck.

Let’s dive in and discover how to make this scrumptious casserole that’s loved by many.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is not just another chicken dish; it’s an experience! With its creamy texture and bursts of flavor, it feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to whip up.

The combination of cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese creates a rich, velvety filling that wraps around the tender chicken.

Plus, the crushed Ritz crackers on top provide a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy interior.

Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.

Ingredients

To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 10.5 ounce can (300 g) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 cups (900 g) cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (32 crackers)
• 4 tablespoons (60 g) butter, melted

Make sure you have everything on hand, as this will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

How To Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part: cooking!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, and cottage cheese.

Use a spatula or a whisk to mix them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Seasoning

Next, add in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and ground black pepper.

Stir everything together so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate the Chicken

Once your sauce is ready, gently fold in the cooked, shredded chicken.

Make sure all the chicken is coated in the creamy goodness.

This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick.

Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and evenly spread it out.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Now for the best part! Crush the Ritz crackers into small pieces and sprinkle them generously over the top of the chicken mixture.

Drizzle the melted butter over the crackers to ensure they bake into a crispy, golden topping.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown.

Your house will smell absolutely amazing.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

This helps it set a bit, making it easier to scoop out.

Serve hot and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!

Expert Tips

To make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole even better, keep these tips in mind:

• For added flavor, consider adding some chopped green onions or diced pimentos into the mixture.
• Rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe if you want to save time. Just shred the chicken and mix it in!
• If you prefer a bit of spice, add in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it really helps with serving.

Variations and Customizations

There’s so much you can do with this recipe! Here are a few fun variations:

• Swap the shredded chicken for cooked ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or peas, for a nutritional boost.
• Mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for an extra cheesy casserole.
• Use homemade cream of chicken soup instead of canned for a fresher flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:

– Allow the casserole to cool completely.

– Transfer it to an airtight container.

– Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months.

To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes! You can use uncooked chicken, but you will need to cook it first.

Shred it after it’s cooked and incorporate it into the casserole.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes! You can substitute low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter version of this dish.

What can I serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables.

You can also serve it with bread or rolls for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is sure to steal the spotlight at your next meal.

With its creamy filling, tender chicken, and buttery crunchy topping, it’s no wonder everyone goes back for seconds.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is both comforting and delicious.

Give this recipe a try, and soon you’ll have your own treasured dish that everyone will request again and again! Happy cooking!

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