If you’re craving a warm, hearty dish that feels like a big cozy hug, the Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This casserole is a creamy, cheesy masterpiece loaded with tender chicken, enveloped in a deliciously rich sauce, and topped with a perfectly buttery, crunchy crust. Every bite brings a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a dose of true comfort on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this casserole is a breeze — each component plays a key role in layering flavors and textures for that signature creamy and crunchy combination. From the tang of sour cream to the buttery Ritz cracker topping, everything comes together simply and beautifully.
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken: The hearty, tender base that makes this casserole so satisfying.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Adds smooth creaminess and richness that ties everything together.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Brings a mild tang and light texture for a balanced creaminess.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Infuses the dish with a subtle tang and extra moistness.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Delivers that classic comforting flavor and helps bind ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a gentle aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder: Adds a subtle savory depth for more rounded flavor.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed): Creates a buttery, crispy crust that crowns the casserole perfectly.
- 5 tablespoons butter (melted): Ensures the Ritz cracker topping browns beautifully with a luscious finish.
How to Make Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spraying a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This little step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out with ease once baked to golden perfection.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Chicken Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture that’s bursting with flavor promises. This blend is the heart of the Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe, so take a moment to appreciate that luscious texture.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Dish
Next, evenly spread your creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Getting a nice even layer helps the casserole cook uniformly and sets the stage for that glorious topping.
Step 4: Create the Ritz Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring until every crumb is luxuriously coated. This step is the secret to the golden, crispy, buttery crust that makes this recipe a showstopper. Sprinkle this cracker topping evenly over the casserole’s surface.
Step 5: Bake Your Comfort Food Creation
Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topside is a beautiful golden brown crust that’s begging to be tasted.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
When your Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe comes out of the oven, let it cool just slightly before serving. This helps the dish firm up a bit for perfect spoonfuls. Now dive into a plate full of creamy, crunchy goodness.
How to Serve Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten this rich and creamy dish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. The green pop adds a fresh aroma and a pretty finishing touch. A little dash of paprika can also add warmth and color, making your presentation extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Because the casserole is luscious and creamy, pairing it with crisp and fresh sides works beautifully. Consider a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or steamed green beans for a refreshing crunch. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus are also fantastic companions for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe at a gathering, consider portioning it into individual ramekins for personal servings. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese over the top mid-bake for an ooey-gooey twist everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and blend more, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving. Just make sure to cover it well to keep everything moist.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a few extra minutes on broil can help refresh the crunchy top if desired.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken in this casserole?
Absolutely! Canned chicken works well in a pinch, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to drain it well before mixing.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for that creamy texture, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream alternatives, and soups. Expect a slight change in flavor but still delicious comfort food.
How do I make this casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños into the mixture to give your casserole a little kick. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper on top before baking for extra heat.
Can I add vegetables into the casserole?
Definitely! Adding cooked peas, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers works well. Just be sure to cook them beforehand to avoid adding extra moisture.
Is Ritz cracker topping necessary?
The Ritz cracker topping is what makes the Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe truly special with its buttery crunch, but you can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips if you want a twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making and sharing the Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe. It’s simple yet impressive, creamy yet crunchy, and above all, full of heartwarming flavor. I encourage you to whip this up the next time you want a dish that feels like home on a plate — it’s sure to become a cherished favorite for anyone lucky enough to taste it.
Print
Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Comfort Food Chicken Casserole, also known as Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, is a creamy, cheesy dish combining tender cooked chicken with a rich blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s baked to golden perfection, making it an easy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and unsalted cream of chicken soup. Stir everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, well-integrated mixture.
- Spread the mixture: Transfer the combined chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9×9 inch baking dish, smoothing it out for an even layer.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir well to coat all the crackers in butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the chicken casserole in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting, creamy chicken casserole hot!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of black pepper or fresh herbs like parsley to the chicken mixture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it blends smoothly.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
