What is a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? I swear, it’s almost as popular as my Grandma’s famous macaroni and cheese – and that’s saying something! The creamy, cheesy sauce, the tender chicken, that *perfect* crispy topping… I always think of those weeknights growing up when my mom would whip up this, and the whole house smelled incredible. This recipe is a total winner, and it’s way easier to make than you’d think!
What is a million dollar chicken casserole?
What is a Million Dollar chicken casserole? What’s essentially a layers of chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, topped with a buttery, crunchy layer of crackers. I think the name comes from the way it makes you feel – like you’re indulging in something truly special! It’s not fussy, it’s not complicated, but it’s seriously delicious. Is this the casserole of your dreams?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best reasons to love honey? The creaminess of the sauce, the savory chicken, and that irresistible buttery topping all come together in perfect harmony. What I love most about this is how easy it is to make. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. I can throw it together in no time, and while it’s baking, I can help my kid with his homework. Plus, it’s so incredibly cost-efficient. What are some of the best recipes for Chicken Pot Pie? My kids ask for this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole all the time – which, let’s face it, is the ultimate sign of a winning recipe!
How do I make a million dollar chicken casserole?
Quick Overview
How do you make a creamy Chicken Salad? What is the beauty of this recipe? Don’t let the name intimidate you – it’s way easier than it sounds, and the results are truly spectacular. I also like to make this if I am having guests, they always love it!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. I usually grab a rotisserie chicken to save time, but leftover baked or grilled chicken works great too! If you’re using leftover chicken, make sure it’s not too dry – a little moisture is key.
What is Creamy Sauce?
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup. I like to use the reduced-sodium version to control the salt. What is the best full-fat mayonnaise recipe? * 1/4 cup milk. Any kind works – I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it was still delicious! * 1 teaspoon onion powder. * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. * 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper. * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adds a little extra flavor and richness. I like to use freshly grated, but the pre-grated stuff works fine too.
For the Cracker Topping:
* 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed. This is the secret ingredient! The buttery crackers create the perfect crunchy topping. I like to crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin * 6 tablespoons butter, melted. The butter is what makes the topping so irresistible. Don’t skimp on the butter! Salted or unsalted works fine – I like salted.
What is the step-by-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This is super important to prevent the casserole from sticking. I always grease it even if the pan is non-stick, just to be safe! Make sure to prep the pan before you start mixing everything else – it makes things so much easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix well until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. This step is crucial because it’s what gives you that incredible golden-brown, crispy topping. I like to use my hands to make sure everything is thoroughly combined. Set aside for now.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth. This is your creamy, dreamy sauce that holds everything together. I always give it a little taste at this point to make sure the seasoning is perfect.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken to the creamy sauce and stir gently until the chicken is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix – you don’t want to shred the chicken too much. What is the heart of a casserole?
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Then, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture. How do you make sure the entire surface is covered in buttery crackers?
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure the topping doesn’t burn. When the casserole is ready, it will be bubbling around the edges, and the topping will be a beautiful golden brown.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
How do you remove a casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving? I always like to let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes before digging in.
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
What is a good weeknight meal? A side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. The freshness of the veggies balances out the richness of the casserole perfectly.
For a Special Occasion:Roasted asparagus with lemon or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. This elevates the meal and makes it feel a bit more fancy.
For a Comfort Food Feast:Mac and cheese (yes, more cheese!) or sweet cornbread. This is pure indulgence, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need!
My family’s tradition: My family’s traditionMy grandma always served this with a side of cranberry sauce. It sounds a little strange, but the tartness of the cranberries cuts through the richness of the casserole beautifully. Is garlic bread a good side dish?
How do I make a million dollar chicken casserole?
What are some of the best tips for making a perfect casserole?
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the sauce less creamy. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Use Good Quality Ingredients:The better the ingredients, the better the casserole will taste. Use full fat sour cream and mayonnaise for the richest flavor. Real parmesan cheese is also a great addition.
Customize the Topping: Customize the ToppingIf you’re not a fan of Ritz crackers, you can use other types of crackers, like saltines or even crushed potato chips! Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter accordingly. I sometimes add a little garlic powder to the cracker mixture!
Add Veggies:What are some good ways to add veggies to a casserole?
Make It Ahead:Can you assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking?
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy mayonnaise. Just be careful not to overdo it!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house! ), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerator Storage: What is theHow do you store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator?
How do I use a freezerCan you freeze the casserole? I recommend freezing it in individual portions for easy reheating.
Reheating Instructions:To reheat the casserole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Can you microwave individual portions for a quicker option?
What is Glaze Timing Advice? If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, I recommend adding the cracker topping after thawing and right before baking. This will help it stay nice and crispy. For the fridge it can already be with it on.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is your favorite million dollar chicken casserole recipe? What makes this recipe special is that you can adjust it to your liking! Seriously, this is one of those recipes that I know you’ll make again and again. If you love this, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tomato Soup recipe – it’s another classic comfort food that’s perfect for cozy nights. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! What is your favorite recipe and why?
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz can
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and shredded chicken until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and topping is golden brown.
