Welcome to the world of comfort food with a twist! Today, we’re diving into the realm of casseroles with a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a buttery cracker crust for a meal that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole has got you covered. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until well combined.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!
Cook Notes and Variations
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe to save time.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as peas, carrots, or broccoli to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you’re not a fan of Ritz crackers, you can substitute crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for the topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add the topping right before baking to keep it crispy.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A: Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will add a tangy flavor and boost the protein content of the dish.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substituting gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping.
Keto Versions and Low Carb Versions
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of this casserole, you can substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the Ritz crackers and use full-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. You can also add in some cooked bacon or diced avocado for extra flavor and fat.
Low Carb Version:
For a low-carb version, you can reduce the amount of crackers in the topping or omit them altogether. You can also use low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini in place of some of the chicken for added bulk without the extra carbs.
In conclusion, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crunchy topping, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a dinner party, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this irresistible dish. Happy cooking!
