Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is one of those comfort dinners that always draws everyone to the table. Creamy chicken filling swirled with sour cream and cottage cheese gets a layer of golden buttery cracker crumbs on top. This dish is a favorite for gatherings and weeknight meals alike. The flavors hit all the right notes of rich and homey while the minimal prep is a true lifesaver on busy days.

My own family always comes running when they smell this baking. The first time I served it at a potluck everyone asked for the recipe and now it is a year round favorite.

Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken: Tender and flavorful base best with boneless skinless breasts or rotisserie chicken for easy prep
• Cream Cheese: Softened to blend seamlessly for luscious texture use full fat for richness
• Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and moisture choose small curd for smoother results
• Sour Cream: Balances the richness use a fresh tub with bright flavor
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Binds the base and adds savory depth use a high quality brand for velvety consistency
• Garlic Powder: Adds gentle heat and aroma opt for fresh potent powder
• Onion Powder: Boosts savory flavor look for a fine powder with no clumping
• Ritz Crackers: Traditional cracker topping is buttery and crisp choose a fresh sleeve for best crunch
• Unsalted Butter: Brings the topping together a good quality makes all the difference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Get your oven set to 350 Fahrenheit while you prepare everything else so the casserole goes in the moment it is ready for baking

Prepare the Chicken:

Shred the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces using your clean hands or two forks to ensure every bite is tender and easy to eat

Mix Base Ingredients:

Add cream cheese cottage cheese sour cream cream of chicken soup garlic powder and onion powder to a large mixing bowl
Use a fork or sturdy spatula to break up the cream cheese fully and stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy

Combine Chicken with the Mixture:

Add the shredded chicken into the bowl with the creamy mixture
Gently fold to coat every piece of chicken so the flavor seeps in before baking

Fill the Casserole Dish:

Lightly grease a nine inch square casserole dish
Spoon in the creamy chicken mixture and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking

Prepare Topping:

Place Ritz crackers into a medium bowl and crush them into small crumbs with your hands
Pour in melted butter and toss until every crumb is glossy and evenly coated

Top and Bake:

Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the chicken mixture and spread out for a uniform layer
Transfer the dish to the oven uncovered
Bake for forty minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling

Serve Hot:

Let the casserole rest for several minutes to set the filling and allow easy serving
Garnish with parsley if you wish and enjoy warm

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My favorite part is the golden cracker topping which everyone in my house fights over so sometimes I double the crumble when I am feeling generous. The first time my kids tasted this they asked for it two nights in a row.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For freezing wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic then foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To revive crispiness reheat uncovered in the oven until bubbly and hot.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for added tang or use ricotta cheese in place of cottage cheese for a different texture. For a gluten free version pick gluten free buttery crackers. Sharp cheddar cheese sprinkled between the chicken and crackers adds another rich layer.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve generous scoops over fluffy white rice or herbed quinoa to make the meal go further. Round out dinner with a refreshing green salad or crisp steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Garlic bread on the side is perfect for catching every bit of creamy sauce.

Cultural Context

Creamy chicken casseroles like this are a mainstay of American potluck and comfort food traditions. The use of Ritz crackers as a topping became popular in the mid twentieth century and has become a nostalgic favorite in countless family kitchens.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent a soggy topping?

Be sure to crush crackers just before use and coat them evenly in melted butter. Bake uncovered so the topping crisps up nicely.

→ What cheeses work best in this dish?

Soft cream cheese and cottage cheese create a creamy base, but you can add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra flavor.

→ Can this casserole be prepared ahead?

Yes, assemble all layers (except topping), cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add cracker topping just before baking for best results.

→ What side dishes pair well?

Serve with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to complement its creamy texture and flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

→ Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Shred any cooked chicken you have on hand for convenience and faster preparation.