Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with a rich blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Topped with Parmesan, mozzarella, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.
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
Cheese and Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Season Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the creamy mixture. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Add Chicken: Fold the diced or shredded cooked chicken gently into the creamy mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring until the crackers are thoroughly coated.
- Top with Crackers: Evenly distribute the buttered cracker mixture over the Parmesan layer on the casserole.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cracker topping.
- Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add vegetables like chopped spinach or mushrooms to add nutrition and flavor.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
