Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken combined with a blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and flavorful seasonings. Topped with a crunchy buttered Ritz cracker layer, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella cheese, this comforting casserole delivers a golden, bubbly finish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (about 280 g) cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 240 g cottage cheese
- 240 g sour cream
- 240 g mayonnaise
- 1 can (298 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup (80 g) crushed Ritz crackers
- 225 g unsalted butter, melted
- 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and wait until it reaches full temperature to ensure even baking.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Season the Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Fold in Chicken: Gently fold the diced or shredded cooked chicken into the creamy mixture, coating all pieces evenly without overmixing.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9 inch) baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the surface of the chicken mixture to add flavor and create a base for the topping.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter, mixing until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Top Casserole: Spread the buttered cracker mixture evenly on top of the casserole to provide a crunchy texture after baking.
- Add Mozzarella: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cracker mixture for a melty, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
- Rest: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set and allow for easier slicing.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before serving warm.
Notes
- Use fully cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken, for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, as cream-based ingredients may contain sodium.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with lighter alternatives.
- Crushed Ritz crackers create the classic buttery topping, but panko or breadcrumbs can be used as alternatives.
- The casserole can be assembled a few hours ahead and baked just before serving; store covered in the fridge.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
