Millions of home cooks have adopted the comforting recipe known as Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Its rich, creamy base combined with the delightful crunch of a buttery cracker topping makes this dish a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this casserole packs a punch in flavor and ease of preparation.

Why Make This Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s not just delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare. Made with rotisserie chicken and simple pantry staples, this dish is a time-saver for busy individuals and families. The creamy texture, combined with a crunchy topping, provides a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken, minimizing waste while maximizing flavor.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole involves a few straightforward steps that anyone can follow:

Ingredients:

For the Creamy Base:

4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 1 large rotisserie chicken)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup small-curd cottage cheese
2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Topping:

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 sleeve (about 30 crackers) Ritz crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
Add the cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Spread half of the shredded chicken in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Pour half of the cheese mixture over the chicken layer.
Repeat with the remaining chicken and cheese mixture.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
Allow to stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven. Portion it out onto plates alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with garlic bread for those who love a little extra carb satisfaction!

How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

Tips to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken with herb seasoning.
Mix in your favorite vegetables, like broccoli or peas, for additional nutrition.
Use low-fat versions of the cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese to make a lighter version of this dish without compromising on taste.
If you prefer a bit of a kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños to the creamy mixture.

Variation

You can easily customize Million Dollar Chicken Casserole to suit your taste preferences. For instance, swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Additionally, you could substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a unique twist. Vegetarian options can also be created by replacing chicken with a medley of your favorite vegetables.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use shredded cooked frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is perfect for meal prep and can be made in advance and reheated as needed.

3. Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking or after it has been cooked. To freeze, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and it will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.