why make this recipe
This casserole tastes rich and creamy. It uses simple pantry items and cooked chicken. You can make it fast and feed a family. If you like easy dinners, try this and compare with other easy casseroles like Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.
introduction
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, crunchy chicken bake. It mixes cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream soup for a rich base. A cracker topping adds a nice crunch. It bakes in one dish and works well for weeknights or potlucks.
how to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Make sure the chicken is cooked and chopped. Soften the cream cheese to mix smooth. Stir all filling ingredients in a bowl and spread into a baking dish. Top with crushed crackers mixed with melted butter. Bake until hot and golden. For another crunchy chicken bake idea, see Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole.
Ingredients :
- 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 5 Tbsp butter (melted)
Directions :
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Combine chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Spread into prepared pan. Combine crushed crackers and butter, sprinkle over chicken mixture. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes.
how to serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm. It goes well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or dinner rolls. Cut into squares and use a spatula to serve.
how to store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Cool to room temperature before storing. Cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF until hot, or microwave in a covered dish in short bursts.
tips to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for speed.
- Soften cream cheese to avoid lumps.
- Crush crackers in a zip bag with a rolling pin for even crumbs.
- For even baking, let the filling sit at room temperature 10 minutes before baking.
- If you like more flavor, add ½ cup shredded cheddar.
For more chicken casserole tips, you can read a simple chicken noodle casserole guide at Chicken Noodle Casserole.
variation (if any)
- Add 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables before baking.
- Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese for a cheesier bake.
- Use crushed saltine or breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers.
- Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a different taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain any liquid. Chop before mixing.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble in the pan, cover, and chill up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to bake time when cold.
Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: You can freeze before baking. Wrap well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: Is there a low-fat version?
A: Use low-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. The dish will be less rich but still good.
Q: How do I get a crunchier top?
A: Add a little extra butter to the cracker crumbs and press them on top. Bake until golden.
Conclusion
For more ideas and similar versions, see these recipes: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Plain Chicken, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe, and Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (Easy Comfort Food) – Meatloaf ….
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Filling
- 4.5 cups chopped cooked chicken Use cooked rotisserie chicken for speed.
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature) Soften to avoid lumps.
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 can unsalted cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) Can be swapped for cream of mushroom.
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed) Can substitute with crushed saltine or breadcrumbs.
- 5 Tbsp butter (melted) Add extra for a crunchier top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the chicken mixture.
Baking
- Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until hot and golden.
