Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring shredded chicken blended with a rich mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar, topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers for a delightful crunchy finish. This comforting American classic is perfect for family dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Cheesy Chicken Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken: Fold the cooked shredded chicken into the cheese mixture, ensuring the chicken is fully coated with the creamy mixture for even flavor distribution.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a uniform casserole layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are well coated for a flavorful and crispy topping.
- Top Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish, covering the surface completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- This casserole pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- To save time, prepare the casserole ahead by assembling everything except the cracker topping, refrigerate it, and then add the topping just before baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
