Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining creamy chicken, savory cheeses, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Step 3: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use cooked chicken such as rotisserie for convenience and flavor.
• For extra creaminess, add cream cheese to the chicken mixture.
• Don’t skip the Ritz cracker topping; it adds a buttery, crunchy texture.
• Prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and bake the next day for convenience.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through, about 20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and cook the chicken fully before shredding and adding to the casserole.

Can this casserole be made gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz crackers in the topping.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food featuring a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, sour cream, and cheeses, topped with crunchy Ritz crackers for a satisfying texture. This easy-to-make baked casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends and serves a family-friendly 6 portions in under an hour.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Topping

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to form a smooth layer.
4. Prepare the Ritz Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
5. Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the cracker topping to add extra cheesy goodness.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Use cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly, saving time and adding great flavor.
• For extra creaminess: Add cream cheese to the chicken mixture for a richer casserole.
• Don’t skip the Ritz crackers: They provide the buttery, crunchy topping that makes this casserole so delicious.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day.

Keywords: comfort food, chicken casserole, creamy chicken dish, quick dinner, cheesy casserole, Ritz cracker topping