This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and topped with a buttery cracker crust, it’s an irresistible dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheeses makes for an indulgent and creamy casserole.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an ideal dish for busy evenings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds crunch, making this a favorite among both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time, and customize the recipe with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. - Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. - Bake:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown. - Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with turkey, ham, or even ground beef.
- Add Veggies: Mix in cooked broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers and ensure the condensed soup is gluten-free.
- Lighter Version: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, and use low-fat cheeses to cut down on calories.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken works well as a quick alternative. Just drain it thoroughly before using.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this casserole?
You can bake, boil, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shredded or diced chicken works equally well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
You can substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or another favorite cracker.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Parmesan, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for added flavor.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Bake the casserole uncovered to ensure the topping stays crispy. If reheating, add fresh crackers on top for crunch.
Can I make this casserole without cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can make a homemade version by combining butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, but don’t add the topping. Freeze, and when ready to bake, add the topping and bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time slightly.
Can I add pasta to this dish?
Yes, you can mix in cooked pasta, such as penne or rotini, for a heartier casserole.
What sides go well with this casserole?
Serve it with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunchy topping. With its simple preparation and versatile nature, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a meal that’s worth every bite!
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate creamy and cheesy comfort food, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers and condensed soup.
- To add a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time or frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
