Description
This Ultimate Comfort Food Chicken Casserole, also known as Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, is a creamy, cheesy, and crispy baked dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Made with tender cooked chicken, creamy cheeses, sour cream, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, this casserole delivers rich flavors and comforting textures in every bite.
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the chicken mixture into the prepared 9×9 inch baking dish to create an even layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until the crackers are fully coated in butter.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the butter-coated crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let it cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting chicken casserole.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
