Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with rich cheeses and a hint of garlic and onion. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering hearty flavor and a satisfying golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken layer to form a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving. This will help the casserole firm up and make it easier to cut and serve.
Notes
- Use unsalted cream of chicken soup to control the sodium content.
- Room temperature cream cheese blends better with other ingredients.
- For a crunchier topping, add extra crushed crackers or broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Substitute Ritz crackers with any buttery cracker of your choice if desired.
