Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients :
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions :
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the chicken mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
20 Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Chicken Casserole 🍗🧀
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience 🛒
- Shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option, saving you time on cooking and shredding chicken.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese 🧀
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
3. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly 🔄
- Mix the chicken mixture well to evenly distribute the flavors and ensure a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
4. Season to Taste 🧂
- Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to suit your preference.
5. Add a Splash of Chicken Broth 🍲
- If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up without compromising flavor.
6. Grate Your Own Cheese 🧀
- Grate the cheddar and mozzarella yourself for a fresher taste and better melting quality than pre-shredded cheese.
7. Use Full-Fat Ingredients for Richness 🥛
- Full-fat sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise add richness and a creamy texture to the casserole.
8. Layer for Even Cooking 📏
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and bubbling.
9. Enhance with Herbs 🌿
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken mixture for extra flavor.
10. Mix Topping Thoroughly 🍪
- Combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter well to ensure the topping is evenly coated and crisps up nicely.
11. Bake on a Middle Rack 📏
- Place the casserole on the middle rack of the oven to promote even baking and a golden topping.
12. Cover for a Creamier Casserole 🛡️
- Cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture, then remove the foil to brown the topping.
13. Let it Rest Before Serving 🕒
- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let it set, making it easier to serve.
14. Double the Recipe for Leftovers 🍽️
- This casserole makes great leftovers, so consider doubling the recipe to enjoy later.
15. Garnish with Fresh Parsley 🌿
- Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
16. Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition 🥦
- Mix in some cooked vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach to add nutritional value and texture.
17. Use Panko for Extra Crunch 🥖
- Substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
18. Serve with a Side Salad 🥗
- Pair the rich casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the flavors and textures.
19. Freeze for Later ❄️
- This casserole freezes well. Prepare it up to the baking step, freeze, and bake when ready for a quick meal.
20. Try Different Cheeses 🧀
- Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
These tips will help you create a perfectly creamy, flavorful, and satisfying Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, condensed cream of mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before