Description
This Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with tender chicken, a velvety mix of cheeses and sour cream, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Season Mixture: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Add Chicken: Gently fold the diced or shredded chicken into the creamy mixture until it is thoroughly combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture for added flavor.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted unsalted butter. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated with butter.
- Top with Cracker Mixture: Evenly distribute the buttered Ritz cracker crumbs over the Parmesan layer on the casserole.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the cracker mixture for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- The parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice fresh aroma and vibrant color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
