Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Comfort food comes in many forms, but there’s something about a warm, bubbling chicken casserole that feels like a big hug on a cold night. This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole combines shredded chicken, creamy goodness, and a crunchy topping that takes a simple dish to new heights. It’s a staple in many households, especially for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and its appeal stretches across all ages. Who wouldn’t love a dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table?

What Makes This Recipe Special

You’ll adore this recipe for many reasons. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it also checks all the boxes for budget-friendly meals. With most ingredients being pantry staples, you can whip this dish up even when your fridge appears almost empty. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss, and kids love it!

"This casserole was a game-changer for our family dinners! It’s creamy, cheesy, and the kids couldn’t get enough. It’s definitely going into our regular rotation!" – Jessica, a home cook.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Creating this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is simple. Follow these easy steps:

1. Start by preheating your oven.
2. Mix the chicken and creaminess together.
3. Combine a crunchy topping and layer it on top.
4. Bake until everything is melty and golden.

In just a few moments, you’ll have a comforting meal ready for your family to enjoy.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tip: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch!

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
3. Pour the creamy chicken mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. In another bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter and the remaining cheddar cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined.
5. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
7. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Now it’s ready to grace your dining table!

Perfect Pairings for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To complement this delicious casserole, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, can add a healthy touch. For a comforting side, a warm loaf of garlic bread would also work wonders.

Best Way to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To ensure that your leftovers stay fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s safe for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months; just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Pro Chef Tips

• If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms to the chicken mixture.
• For something with a kick, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Make your own cream of chicken soup from scratch to control the ingredients and flavors.

Creative Twists

Feel free to get creative! You can swap out the chicken for cooked ground beef or even turkey for a different take on this comforting dish. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or a mix of beans. Add spices like Italian herbs or smoked paprika to give it more depth.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?

Preparation time is about 10-15 minutes, and cooking takes around 30-35 minutes.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Is it safe to freeze leftover chicken casserole?

Yes, it’s safe to freeze the casserole for 2 months. Just ensure it’s in a well-sealed container to prevent freezer burn.

With its creamy filling and crunchy topping, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is truly a dish worth making. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, it’s sure to impress!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting chicken casserole with creamy goodness and a crunchy topping, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the creamy chicken mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
4. In another bowl, combine crushed buttery crackers with melted butter and remaining cheddar cheese, mixing until well combined.
5. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
7. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, budget-friendly