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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a satisfying family dinner. It combines tender shredded chicken with a rich and creamy sauce made from cream cheese, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup. The dish is finished with a buttery, golden-brown Ritz cracker topping for a delightful crunch.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • small bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a great time to lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish so it’s ready to go.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. The key here is to make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to get a smooth, lump-free base. Mix until it's wonderfully creamy.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust if needed—you’re in control of the final flavor!
  4. Now for the star of the show. Gently fold in the diced or shredded chicken until every piece is coated in that luscious, creamy mixture.
  5. Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
  6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. This adds a fantastic nutty, salty layer of flavor.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until all the cracker crumbs are moistened. This step is the secret to a truly crispy dinner idea.
  8. Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. This topping is what makes the dish so famously delicious.
  9. Top everything off with the shredded mozzarella cheese for that final, gooey, cheesy finish.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and you can see the edges bubbling.
  11. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it set up, making it easier to serve.
  12. If you're feeling fancy, garnish with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color before serving warm. This is one of those casserole recipe ideas that looks as good as it tastes.

Notes

For the best results, use full-fat ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut. The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance without the cracker topping; add the topping just before baking. For variations, you can substitute Ritz crackers with Panko breadcrumbs or add vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms.