Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

When I first encountered this recipe, it felt like unearthing a hidden gem in the world of comfort foods. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole combines the savory flavors of chicken, creamy cheeses, and the nostalgia of grand family meals into one incredible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of textures and flavors will have your family asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

What Makes This Recipe Special

You might be wondering what makes this casserole truly "million-dollar." Beyond its rich flavor profile, this dish stands out for several compelling reasons. First, it’s a time-saver, taking just about 40 minutes from prep to plate, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner. Second, it’s a budget-friendly option that utilizes simple ingredients, making it accessible for everyone.

But the real secret lies in its ability to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. With creamy, cheesy goodness and a crunchy topping, you’re bound to win over everyone at the dinner table.

“This casserole has become a staple in our home! It’s easy to make, and the kids absolutely love it. Definitely a five-star family favorite!” — Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Now that you’re excited about making this dish, let’s break down how to prepare it. The process is straightforward and simple, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup.
Layer the Mixture: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this over the chicken mixture for a tasty crunch.
Bake: Finally, pop it in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Gather Your Ingredients

To get started, you’ll need the following 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)

For a healthier twist, consider using low-fat cream cheese or cottage cheese. You could also swap the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free alternative if needed.

Cooking Steps

Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
Lightly spray your 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine your chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup.
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan evenly.
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the chicken mixture.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips for Serving

This casserole is delightful on its own, but a few simple side dishes can elevate your meal further. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad, steamed veggies, or buttery garlic bread. For an extra touch, drizzle some homemade ranch dressing or hot sauce over the top before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but adds a bit of flair to your presentation.

Best Way to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To keep your casserole fresh and tasty, proper storage is essential. If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.

Expert Advice

To ensure the best results, here are some tips:

Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allowing your casserole to cool a little before serving helps it set, making for cleaner slices.
Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider mixing in some cooked spinach or broccoli into the chicken mixture.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to mix it up:

Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add some hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with an assortment of roasted vegetables or chickpeas.
Cheesy Variations: Incorporate additional cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a melty, gooey topping.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this casserole take to prepare?

The total time from prep to bake is around 40 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish.

Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes! If you want to alter the flavor, cream of mushroom or even tomato soup can be great substitutions.

Is it safe to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Just ensure your casserole is cooled, then wrap it well for freezing. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

By making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating an experience that brings family and friends together. Enjoy!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Comfort Food

Description

A comforting and easy-to-make casserole combining chicken, creamy cheeses, and a crunchy topping, perfect for family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine your chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup.
Spread the mixture into the prepared pan evenly.
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the chicken mixture.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes