Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. Made with simple ingredients like cooked chicken, cream cheese, and Ritz crackers, it combines rich flavors with an easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, (crushed)
- 5 Tbsp butter, (melted)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well blended. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture before baking.
- Try crushed buttery crackers like Goldfish or breadcrumbs as an alternative topping.
- Adding chopped vegetables such as celery or green onions can add freshness and texture.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the casserole in a 350ºF oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain the crispy topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and the texture is right. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before combining with the other ingredients.
PrintDollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring chopped cooked chicken combined with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and soup, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until thoroughly combined. Evenly sprinkle this cracker mixture over the top of the chicken casserole layer to form a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through and bubbly around the edges.
Notes
- For best results, use cooked chicken that is shredded or chopped finely to ensure an even texture.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup if preferred for a different flavor profile.
- If Ritz crackers are unavailable, buttery bread crumbs or crushed saltine crackers can be used as topping alternatives.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set slightly for easier slicing.
- This dish reheats well in the oven or microwave for leftovers.
Keywords: chicken casserole, baked chicken dish, creamy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe, cheesy chicken casserole, Ritz cracker topping
