Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Are you ready to discover the ultimate comfort food that will have your family asking for seconds and thirds? The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a decadent, creamy, and cheesy dish that perfectly combines savory chicken, rich cream cheese, and crispy, buttery toppings. It’s called “Million Dollar” because it tastes like a million bucks! Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a special dinner, or looking for an easy meal that satisfies, this casserole is sure to impress. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and variations so you can make the perfect Million Dollar Chicken Casserole every time!

What is a “Million Dollar Chicken Casserole”?

A “Million Dollar Chicken Casserole” is a baked dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, and crispy buttery crackers. This dish gets its name due to the combination of rich and creamy ingredients that deliver a luxurious taste experience. It’s a fantastic meal that’s simple to make but feels indulgent and special. The casserole is known for its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crunchy topping, all of which make it a family favorite for dinner or potlucks.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To make this delicious and indulgent casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients. These basics make up the rich, creamy layers and provide the perfect texture and taste:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend of cheeses)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup green onions (chopped, optional for extra flavor)
• 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (crushed for the topping)
• ¼ cup butter (melted to mix with the cracker topping)

Ingredients List for the Topping

A casserole isn’t complete without a delicious topping! For this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, the topping adds an extra layer of texture that complements the creamy chicken filling perfectly:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
• ¼ cup butter (melted)
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s versatile. You can easily make adjustments based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:

• Chicken substitute: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken for turkey, especially around the holidays when there’s leftover turkey. It works just as well!
• Low-fat version: Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to lighten up the dish without sacrificing too much of the richness.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with cooked, diced vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and broccoli to make this a vegetarian-friendly dish.
• Spicy variation: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is incredibly easy to make. In just a few steps, you’ll have a rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook and shred the chicken. If you haven't done so already, cook your chicken (boiled or baked chicken breasts work well) and shred it using two forks.
3. Prepare the creamy mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is fully mixed and smooth.
4. Fold in the shredded chicken. Add the shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture and mix until the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to the baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
6. Make the cracker topping. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are coated.
7. Add the topping. Sprinkle the buttered crackers over the top of the chicken mixture.
8. Bake. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy, and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
9. Let it rest. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simplified guide to cooking your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

1. Gather and prep your ingredients. Preheat the oven, grease your baking dish, and shred your cooked chicken.
2. Mix the creamy filling. Combine all the creamy ingredients in a large bowl, and fold in the shredded chicken.
3. Assemble the casserole. Spread the chicken mixture in the baking dish and top it with the buttered cracker crumbs.
4. Bake to perfection. Bake until the topping is golden and crispy.
5. Serve and enjoy. Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly, and then dig in!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy mixture.
• Overbaking: Watch the casserole closely during the last few minutes of baking. You want the topping to be golden brown but not burnt.
• Using dry chicken: If your chicken is dry or overcooked, the casserole won’t be as creamy. Rotisserie chicken or moist, poached chicken breasts work best.
• Not seasoning enough: Make sure to taste your mixture before baking. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo can be rich, so adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A good casserole not only tastes amazing but can look great when served! Here are some tips for serving and presenting your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

• Garnish with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions over the top of the casserole adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
• Serve in the baking dish. Casseroles are meant to be rustic, so serving them straight from the baking dish keeps things simple and homey.
• Pair with sides. Serve this rich dish with a light side salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the richness of the casserole.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This casserole is filling enough to be the main course, but here are a few ideas for serving:

• As a main dish: Pair it with a green salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal.
• At potlucks: It’s a fantastic dish to bring to a gathering. It travels well and can be reheated easily.
• Leftovers: This casserole makes for delicious leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Though casseroles are often considered a humble dish, you can elevate the presentation:

• Individual servings: Use ramekins or mini baking dishes to create individual portions. This can make your dish look elegant for dinner parties.
• Top with fresh herbs: Before serving, add a fresh herb garnish like parsley, chives, or green onions to give the dish a vibrant look.
• Serving dish upgrade: If you want a more refined look, bake the casserole in a cast iron skillet or a decorative ceramic baking dish.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking. Just add the cracker topping right before you pop it in the oven.
• Double the recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd, double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or use two 9x13-inch pans.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken in this recipe. Just be sure to drain and shred it well before mixing it into the creamy sauce.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it when ready. Just wait to add the cracker topping until right before baking.

3. How long does Million Dollar Chicken Casserole last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should last 3-4 days in the fridge.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Conclusion

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole truly lives up to its name. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that will become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply indulging in a comforting meal, this casserole is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow steps, versatile ingredients, and helpful tips, you’ll have no problem making this dish your own. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and make this crowd-pleaser tonight!

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