Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and flavorful seasonings. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this casserole delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and crispy topping, making it an easy and delicious meal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later.
- Mix the Chicken Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. Stir until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a creamy mixture. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish to form a crispy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie, leftover chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts for ease.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute light cream cheese and sour cream.
- The topping can be customized with different crackers if desired, but Ritz crackers add a buttery flavor and crisp texture.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an additional 5–10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother consistency.
