Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

why make this recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a delicious and simple dish that brings comfort to any meal. With its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, it has everything you want in a casserole. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a real lifesaver for busy days.

how to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

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)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well blended.
  3. Spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking pan.
  4. In another bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
  5. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the top is golden brown.

how to serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, you can add some bread or rolls on the side. This dish is also great for leftovers, and the flavors get even better as it sits.

how to store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To store any leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
  • Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like peas or broccoli, to the chicken mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

variation

You can easily change up the flavors in this casserole. Try adding different cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a cheesy twist. You can also swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup or even use a homemade cream sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute turkey, ham, or even a mix of meats if you prefer.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers, and check the other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

A delicious and simple dish with creamy texture and flavorful ingredients, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4.5 cups chopped cooked chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature) Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 can unsalted cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) Can be substituted with cream of mushroom soup.
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp dried onion powder
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed) Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.
  • 5 Tbsp butter (melted)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well blended.
Cooking
  1. Spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking pan.
  2. In another bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
  3. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the top is golden brown.

Notes

For serving, pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. The flavors get even better as leftovers sit. You can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.