Yum Yum Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy textures, savory flavors, and an unbeatable crispy topping, look no further than the Yum Yum Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This recipe is a delightful twist on classic chicken casseroles, layered with rich cheeses and a buttery cornbread stuffing that bakes to golden perfection. It’s a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal recipe to keep in your regular rotation.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This casserole stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease. The creamy chicken base is loaded with tender cooked chicken, smooth cream cheese, and cottage cheese, all enriched with creamy soup and a touch of seasoning. The addition of cornbread stuffing on top adds a wonderful crunch and buttery flavor that elevates the dish beyond the typical casserole.

Not only does this casserole taste amazing, but it’s also a hearty meal that can feed a family or provide excellent leftovers. Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or want to impress guests with minimal effort, the Yum Yum Million Dollar Chicken Casserole delivers on all fronts. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite seasonings or swap in different cheeses to suit your preferences.

What You’ll Gather

• 5 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp onion powder, or to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder, or to taste
• 1 (6 oz) box cornbread stuffing, uncooked
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 4 Tbsp melted butter

Gear Up: What to Grab

• 9×13 inch casserole dish – for baking the casserole evenly
• Mixing bowls – to combine the creamy ingredients and chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
• Spatula or wooden spoon – for mixing
• Oven mitts – essential for safety when handling hot dishes

How to Prepare Yum Yum Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, and cottage cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended. Add the two cans of cream of chicken soup, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until you have a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Add Chicken

Fold the chopped cooked chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. This mixture forms the hearty base of your Yum Yum Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Pour the chicken and creamy mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the uncooked cornbread stuffing mix with the chicken broth and melted butter. Stir until the stuffing is evenly moistened.

Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the prepared cornbread stuffing evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. This will bake into a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set for easier slicing and serving.

Budget & Availability Swaps

• Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded turkey if chicken is not available.
• Cream Cheese: Substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat option or ricotta for a slightly different texture.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Use homemade white sauce with chicken broth and flour if canned soup is not preferred.
• Cornbread Stuffing: Try crushed buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs for a different crunchy topping.
• Sour Cream & Cottage Cheese: Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a tangy substitute for sour cream.

Troubles You Can Avoid

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the creamy mixture.
• Don’t overbake the casserole; keep an eye on the topping to prevent burning.
• If the casserole seems too dry, add a little extra chicken broth before baking to keep it moist.
• Use fresh or well-seasoned cornbread stuffing to ensure the topping isn’t bland.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This casserole is perfect for making ahead. To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking or after baking once cooled. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping regains its crispness, about 20-30 minutes.

Popular Questions

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the cornbread stuffing with a gluten-free cornbread mix or use gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs for the topping. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?

Cooked, shredded chicken works best. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option, but you can also poach or bake chicken breasts or thighs and chop them up.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Chopped broccoli, peas, or mushrooms can be folded into the creamy mixture before baking for added nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful of moisture content to avoid a soggy casserole.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Adding melted butter to the cornbread stuffing helps create a golden crust. If you want an even crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Cook This Next

• Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Penne Bake – another creamy chicken casserole with a cheesy pasta twist.
• Baked Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole – indulge in Italian flavors with this hearty chicken pasta bake.

Final Bite

The Yum Yum Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is truly a star in any kitchen. It combines familiar, comforting ingredients into one luscious dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. The perfect marriage of creamy chicken and crispy cornbread topping ensures every bite is a delight. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a potluck, this casserole makes a memorable meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Keep this recipe handy, and you’ll have a delicious, no-fuss dinner solution anytime the craving strikes.

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