Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, and sour cream, topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for a golden, crispy finish. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to assemble and delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crumbled
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. In a separate smaller bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until smooth and fully blended. Pour this creamy mixture into the bowl with the chicken, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir together until the crumbs are well coated. Evenly sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking pan to form a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the creamy mixture inside is bubbly and hot throughout.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley flakes for added freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, comforting dish.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- To reduce calories, substitute light sour cream and low-fat cottage cheese.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smooth texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick meal.
