Introduction
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender shredded chicken.
Its name reflects how delicious and rich it tastes, making it a standout on any dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a filling and easy-to-make dinner.
this casserole is sure to impress. The dish is packed with flavors that everyone will love, from the creamy base to the crispy cracker topping.
Ingredients
To make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
4 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers
1/4 cup of melted butter
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole is cooked at the right temperature and comes out perfectly golden on top.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a creamy and cheesy mixture.
Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings will enhance the flavor of the casserole, so be sure to adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Once the seasoning is added, mix everything thoroughly so that the chicken and cheese are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Now, prepare the topping by combining the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted.
butter in a small bowl. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated with butter, which will give the topping a crispy and golden texture as it bakes.
Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the chicken casserole. The buttery crackers will create a perfect crunch on top, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Once it’s done baking, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
This will make it easier to serve and allow the flavors to settle.
If you like, you can garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness in every bite. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Make
Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is simple and straightforward. Start by ensuring that your chicken is already cooked and shredded.
This can be done ahead of time, using leftover chicken or by quickly cooking some chicken breasts in the oven or on the stovetop.
Having the chicken ready will speed up the prep process. Once you have the chicken prepared, gather the other ingredients and follow the steps outlined above.
The creamy base is the key to this dish’s rich flavor. By combining cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise, you create a smooth.
velvety sauce that will keep the chicken moist while adding layers of flavor. The cheese—cheddar and Parmesan—melt together to form a luscious, cheesy filling that complements the shredded chicken perfectly.
The garlic and onion powders are essential for adding that extra depth of flavor to the casserole. These simple seasonings elevate the dish.
Ensuring that each bite is bursting with taste. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper as needed, depending on your personal preference or dietary restrictions.
The crushed Ritz crackers on top are not only for flavor but also for texture. When mixed with the melted butter, they create a golden, crispy topping that contrasts.
beautifully with the soft, cheesy chicken filling beneath. The crunch adds an irresistible element to every forkful.
Once the casserole is assembled, baking it in the oven allows all the ingredients to meld together. The heat melts the cheese.
thickens the sauce, and crisps up the cracker topping. You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown.
After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly so the filling can firm up a little. This will help the casserole hold its shape when you serve it.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and you have a meal that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a versatile dish, and you can modify it based on your preferences.
If you prefer a spicier version, add some hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the mixture. You can also swap out the shredded cheddar for another cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you like.
Tips
To make this casserole even more flavorful, try adding some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach.
into the chicken mixture. This not only adds color but also makes the dish even more hearty and nutritious.
You could also experiment with different types of crackers for the topping. Saltines or buttery crackers could work in place of Ritz crackers.
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor while still maintaining the creamy texture.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a lighter version, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream without sacrificing too much flavor.
For extra flavor, consider sprinkling some garlic powder or Italian seasoning on the cracker topping before baking. This adds an aromatic layer to the already delicious casserole.
If you prefer a more garlicky flavor, try adding minced fresh garlic to the chicken mixture for an even more intense taste.
Make sure to fully coat the crackers in melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole. This ensures that the topping becomes crisp and golden during baking.
You can also make the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
If you have leftovers, this casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days. Simply store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, reheat it in the oven for the best results.
The flavors often improve after sitting for a day, making leftovers even more enjoyable.
For a variation, try adding some cooked bacon crumbles to the casserole for a smoky flavor. Bacon and chicken go perfectly together.
creating a combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. You can also experiment with adding a bit of heat by including cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
If you’re serving a larger group, feel free to double the recipe. This casserole is perfect for potlucks.
family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you’re using a larger baking dish.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy dish that is easy to make and sure to satisfy.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or serving it at a party, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Its rich flavors and simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
With a few helpful tips and ingredient swaps, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s called “Million Dollar”—it’s truly a dish that’s worth every penny!