why make this recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that everyone will love. It combines tender chicken with creamy cheeses and a crunchy topping, making it a perfect family meal. This casserole is not only easy to prepare but also great for leftovers. You’ll want to make this again and again!

how to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
4-oz cream cheese (room temperature)
1 cup cottage cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp dried onion powder
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
5 Tbsp butter (melted)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well and spread into the prepared pan.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken mixture.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

how to serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. This dish can also be served with bread for a complete meal.

how to store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, but be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
If you want a bit more flavor, add some cooked vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
You can adjust the creaminess by adding more cottage cheese or sour cream based on your preference.

variation

For a twist, you can add shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, to the top before baking for an extra cheesy layer. You can also experiment with different types of crackers for the topping, like buttered crackers or panko breadcrumbs.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
If you prefer fresh chicken, you can cook it first, chop it up, and then proceed with the recipe as directed.

3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free crackers for the topping, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of this casserole.