It’s hard to beat a good casserole, especially one like Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that brings heavy comfort in each spoonful. My first encounter with this dish was during a cozy family gathering, where I couldn’t help but go back for seconds. What’s great about this casserole is its creamy and cheesy filling combined with chicken and a crunchy topping that takes the flavor to another level. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this dish has an unmistakable appeal that will charm everyone at your table.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is not just another casserole; it’s a true crowd-pleaser. The creamy layers of chicken and cheese meld beautifully, making it a satisfying meal that’s filling yet not overwhelming. It’s budget-friendly, as it uses simple ingredients, making it accessible for any home cook. Plus, it’s versatile—you can whip it up for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or even as a make-ahead dish for busy evenings.
“This casserole is a game-changer! It’s super simple to make, tastes incredible, and my kids can’t get enough of it!” — A satisfied home cook
Step-by-step overview
Preparing your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a breeze! You’ll gather your ingredients and bake everything in a single dish, making cleanup just as easy as cooking. The layers build beautifully with chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping. Overall, the process is streamlined, taking around 15 minutes to prep and about 45 minutes to bake.
What you’ll need
To bring this fabulous casserole to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions or parsley for garnish
Feel free to substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor twist!
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and frozen vegetables. Mix until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, the options are as delicious as the dish itself! Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light meal or serve alongside buttery garlic bread for a comforting dinner. If you’re feeling extra, a side of roasted vegetables can round out this meal beautifully.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? Absolutely! You can store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave on a medium setting, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking; just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep for about 2-3 months; when you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed.
Helpful cooking tips
To elevate your casserole game, consider using leftover turkey or even sautéed veggies for added flavor and nutrition. If you want an extra cheesy experience, mix in a bit of mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. For those busy weeknights, prep the casserole in advance and simply pop it in the oven when it’s dinner time.
Creative twists
This recipe can easily adapt to your taste preferences! Want a Mediterranean twist? Try adding olives and feta cheese. You can also make it a bit spicier by incorporating jalapeños or using a spicier cheese. For a healthier option, swap out the cream of chicken soup for a low-fat version or make your own from scratch.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The prep time is about 15 minutes, and it will take an additional 30-45 minutes to bake.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! You can poach or roast chicken beforehand, then shred it for this recipe. Make sure it’s fully cooked before combining it with the other ingredients.
Is it safe to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to freeze it before baking for the best results. Thaw it in the fridge before cooking for proper safety.
With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to create a heartwarming dish that everyone will love. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!
PrintMillion Dollar Chicken Casserole
A creamy and cheesy chicken casserole topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker crust, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free Optional
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheese, and frozen vegetables. Mix until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving, then garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor twist. Add leftovers to make variations like Mediterranean or spicy versions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
