Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you're craving something creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is exactly what you need. With rich ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded chicken, this dish feels indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It's hearty, delicious, and packed with flavor! Keep reading to learn how to make this irresistible casserole recipe step by step.

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What is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy and savory baked dish made with layers of shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella cheese, all topped with crispy Ritz cracker crumbs. The creamy base is flavored with a mix of garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper, giving it that million-dollar taste. This casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep because it’s a crowd-pleaser and reheats well.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To make this casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken with herbs (I used Campbell’s brand)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic salt (I used Lawry’s brand)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups shredded white meat chicken (approximately 2 pounds)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1½ cups Ritz cracker crumbs (from 1 sleeve of 32 crackers)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Ingredient Breakdown

1. Cream Cheese: This provides a creamy, tangy base that holds the casserole together and makes it rich and decadent.
2. Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the dish.
3. Ricotta Cheese: This helps lighten up the casserole without compromising on creaminess. It also adds a mild flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.
4. Cream of Chicken Soup: The cream of chicken soup with herbs serves as the foundation of the sauce, adding moisture and flavor to the chicken mixture.
5. Garlic Salt & Onion Powder: Essential spices that add depth of flavor to the dish without overpowering the creamy textures.
6. Shredded Chicken: The star protein of the dish. It's best to use shredded, cooked white meat chicken like rotisserie or leftover chicken breasts.
7. Mozzarella Cheese: This melted cheese adds a gooey, cheesy texture that elevates the casserole to a whole new level.
8. Ritz Cracker Crumbs: The buttery, crispy topping that creates a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole base.
9. Unsalted Butter: Used to mix with the Ritz cracker crumbs for a golden, crispy topping.
10. Fresh Parsley: This is optional, but fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a versatile dish, and you can easily make substitutions based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few options:

• Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream: You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you're looking for a healthier option or if you want to add some extra protein.
• Cottage Cheese for Ricotta: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese is a good alternative that will still give the casserole a creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Crackers: If you're avoiding gluten, use gluten-free crackers in place of the Ritz crumbs to maintain that crispy topping.
• Rotisserie Chicken: If you're short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken can make this recipe even quicker to prepare.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to make this dish even heartier and more nutritious.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal.

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook and shred your chicken. You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time, or poach chicken breasts and shred them after cooking.
3. Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined and smooth.
4. Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
5. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly.
6. Make the Ritz Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
7. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the top of the chicken mixture, covering it evenly.
8. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cracker topping is golden brown.
9. Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick overview of the cooking process for those who prefer a more straightforward guide:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
3. Stir in shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese.
4. Spread the mixture in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
5. Mix the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: If your cream cheese isn’t fully softened, it won’t blend smoothly with the other ingredients, leading to a lumpy casserole. Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure that your chicken is tender but not overcooked. Overcooked chicken can make the casserole dry.
• Skipping the Ritz Cracker Topping: Don’t skip the Ritz cracker topping! It adds a buttery crunch that balances the creaminess of the casserole.
• Underseasoning: Make sure to taste your creamy mixture before assembling the casserole. You might want to adjust the salt, pepper, or garlic salt according to your taste preferences.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This casserole is so rich and delicious, it deserves to be presented beautifully! Here’s how you can make it shine on your dinner table.

• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with light side dishes like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli to balance out the richness.
• Individual Servings: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, especially if you're serving this dish for guests.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This casserole is a hearty main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• With Vegetables: Serve it alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots.
• With Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the casserole.
• With Bread: Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are excellent for soaking up the creamy sauce from the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

1. Family-Style Serving: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the table for a casual, family-friendly meal.
2. Garnish Generously: Top each serving with fresh parsley or chives to add color and a fresh herbaceous flavor.
3. Elegant Touch: For a more sophisticated presentation, bake the casserole in individual ramekins and garnish each one with a sprig of parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! To freeze, assemble the casserole but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is easily doubled if you're feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella for cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a sharp provolone if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?

You can make this casserole low-carb by skipping the Ritz cracker topping and using a low-carb alternative like crushed pork rinds.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy, cheesy filling and crunchy Ritz cracker topping make it a dish that both kids and adults will love. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or freezing it for later, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s called "Million Dollar" Chicken Casserole!

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