Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With creamy chicken, melted cheeses, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Step 3: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crackers are fully coated.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the buttered cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture before baking.
• Substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different taste.
• Use crushed crackers like saltines or breadcrumbs if Ritz crackers aren’t available.
• Add chopped cooked vegetables such as broccoli or mushrooms to mix in some greens and texture.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings. The cracker topping may lose some crispness after storage but remains delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparation. Just shred or dice it before adding to the mix.

Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with rich sour cream, mayonnaise, and two kinds of cheese. Topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust, this comforting casserole bakes to a golden perfection and makes a perfect weeknight dinner or potluck favorite.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything thoroughly until well blended.
3. Fill the Dish: Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish and smooth it into an even layer to ensure uniform baking.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted unsalted butter, stirring until the crackers are evenly coated with butter.
5. Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the chicken layer in the baking dish, creating a crunchy crust.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh touch.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
• For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or garlic to the chicken mixture.
• Ritz cracker crumbs can be substituted with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers of choice.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to baking time if cold from the fridge.
• For a lower fat version, use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheeses.

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food, baked chicken casserole