Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With tender chicken and a crispy cracker topping, it’s both easy to make and deliciously satisfying.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra freshness.
• Try mixing in some steamed broccoli or peas for added veggies and color.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or in the oven at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes. This casserole does not freeze well due to the cream cheese texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use if I don’t have Ritz crackers?

Crushed buttery crackers like Saltines, buttery breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels can be good substitutes for the topping. Just make sure to toss them with melted butter to get that crisp texture.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 122 reviews

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish combining tender cooked chicken with a rich blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and savory seasonings. Topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers, this casserole delivers a crunchy golden crust and a luscious interior, perfect for an easy family dinner or potluck favorite.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 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

Topping

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 5 Tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
2. Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Spread this creamy mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Add Cracker Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
4. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• To reduce sodium, use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and lightly salted crackers or unsalted crackers if preferred.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese with suitable dairy alternatives.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding a pinch of black pepper or your favorite herbs can enhance the flavor further.

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, Ritz cracker topping casserole, baked chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner