Description
Million dollar chicken casserole blends creamy textures with comforting Southern flavors. Cheesy layers and crispy topping make this dish a crowd-pleasing classic you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts (shredded or diced)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Blend shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, cream of chicken soup, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
- Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Crush Ritz crackers and combine with melted butter in a separate bowl, creating a golden, crispy topping.
- Generously scatter the buttery cracker crumbs over the chicken mixture, covering the entire casserole surface.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a golden-brown cracker crust.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes, helping the ingredients set and cool slightly.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added fresh herb flavor before serving.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature beforehand for smoother mixing and easier blending with other ingredients.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut that saves preparation time and adds extra richness to the casserole.
- Swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour crackers to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and controlling added salt, making the recipe heart-healthier without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg