Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with a blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Make the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top for an even layer.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly.
Notes
- Use a rotisserie chicken for quick and convenient prep of cooked chicken.
- Ensure the cream cheese is very soft to blend completely into the casserole; microwave for 15 to 20 seconds if needed.
- You can prepare the casserole through step 3, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
- If baking after freezing, thaw completely before baking as directed.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute crushed pork rinds for Ritz crackers.
- Using unsalted cream of chicken soup helps control sodium content in the dish.
- Homemade cream of chicken soup can be used for a fresher, preservative-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
