Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crumbled
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Combine Creamy Ingredients: In a smaller mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir these together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Chicken and Creamy Mixture: Place the shredded or chopped cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl. Pour the combined creamy mixture from the smaller bowl into the chicken bowl. Stir thoroughly until the chicken is fully coated and everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared 9×9 pan and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir well with a fork until the crackers are evenly coated with the butter.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking pan.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and optionally garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley flakes. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for ease.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika to the creamy mixture.
- The Ritz cracker topping can be replaced with breadcrumbs if desired.
- This casserole reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- To reduce fat, use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
