Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and a crunchy topping, creating a meal that’s both decadent and comforting. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special.

I first stumbled upon this recipe at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite. The rich, creamy sauce, the juicy chicken, and the golden, crunchy topping all came together in perfect harmony. It quickly became a favorite in our household, and it’s easy to see why. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that feels like a million bucks!

Quick Overview: A Todd Wilbur-Inspired Summary

Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish packed with tender chicken and topped with a golden, crunchy layer. It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests or simply indulge in a comforting meal.

A Family Favorite: An Exciting Story

One of my favorite memories is of the first time I made this Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for a family potluck. It was a hit, and everyone kept asking for the recipe. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a crunchy topping was irresistible. Since then, it’s become a staple in our meal rotation, always bringing smiles and satisfied appetites.

Why This Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Rich and Creamy: A decadent, cheesy sauce that envelops tender chicken.

Simple and Easy: Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for any gathering.

Comfort Food: A hearty, satisfying dish that brings warmth and joy.

How to Make Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well combined.
   • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese until the crumbs are evenly coated.
5. Top the Casserole:
   • Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Tips For Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook and shred your own.
• Cheese: Mix in different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Swiss for variety.
• Topping: Add crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for a different crunch.

Substitutions and Variations For Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Low-Fat: Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers and soup to make it gluten-free.
• Veggies: Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.

Make a Healthier Version

• Low-Carb: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a low-carb version and use less cheese.
• High-Protein: Add more chicken and reduce the cheese to increase protein content.

And there you have it! Don’t forget to let us know how your Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes:

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. What can I serve with this casserole? Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
4. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use turkey, ham, or even a meatless substitute.
5. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
6. Can I use fresh herbs in the casserole? Yes, fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can add extra flavor.
7. What type of crackers can I use for the topping? Ritz crackers are classic, but you can also use saltines or any buttery cracker.
8. Is this dish suitable for kids? Yes, kids typically love the creamy, cheesy texture of this casserole.
9. Can I add spices to the casserole? Yes, feel free to add spices like paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
10. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? Yes, you can assemble the casserole in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Casserole, Dinner Recipe, Weight watchers

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Casserole:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

• Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Prepare the Casserole Mixture:
• In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well combined.
• Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate.
• Assemble the Casserole:
• Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
• Prepare the Topping:
• In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese until the crumbs are evenly coated.
• Top the Casserole:
• Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
• Bake:
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
• Serve:
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!