Description
This Ultimate Comfort Food Chicken Casserole, also known as Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful baked dish that combines tender cooked chicken with a rich mixture of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 5 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of cream of chicken soup. Stir all these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly spread the combined chicken mixture into the prepared 9×9 inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir them together until all the cracker crumbs are fully coated in butter to ensure a crispy, golden topping.
- Top the casserole: Sprinkle the buttered Ritz cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish, creating a crunchy topping layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout and the crumb topping turns a golden brown color.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish as a main course for dinner or a hearty lunch.
Notes
- The chicken should be cooked and chopped prior to starting the recipe; leftover rotisserie chicken works well.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- To make the topping extra crunchy, toast the crushed crackers lightly before mixing with butter.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
