Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Combining tender shredded chicken with a rich blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and creamy cheeses, this casserole offers comfort food at its finest. Topped with a buttery, golden cracker crust, every bite is filled with savory goodness and satisfying textures. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

With its irresistible combination of flavors and simple ingredients, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting meal. It’s also versatile and can be customized with different herbs, spices, or even vegetables. Get ready to enjoy a cozy, indulgent meal that will leave you and your guests coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses common pantry staples, making it easy to prepare without any complicated or hard-to-find ingredients.

2. Creamy and Cheesy

The combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and a mix of three cheeses creates a rich and creamy filling that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

3. Easy to Make

With just a few simple steps, you can put together this delicious casserole in no time. It’s a no-fuss recipe that yields a flavorful, hearty meal.

4. Family-Friendly

This casserole is a great dish for families. It’s hearty, filling, and kid-approved, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

5. Make-Ahead and Leftovers

This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored for later, making it a convenient option for meal prep or busy days.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken (shredded)
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Condensed cream of chicken soup
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed buttery crackers
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Variations

• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
• Swap Chicken: If you prefer, you can use cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken in place of the shredded chicken.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of heat by stirring in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Herb Mix: If you like a variety of herbs, try adding thyme or basil to give the casserole a fragrant, fresh flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping to make this recipe gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Once the chicken mixture is fully combined, transfer it to the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated with the butter.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the chicken casserole, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Shredding Chicken: For the best results, use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken. Shred it using two forks for a more tender texture.
• Casserole Texture: If you prefer a firmer texture, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream slightly. If you like it extra creamy, you can add a little more of each.
• Topping Variation: If you want a crunchier topping, use more crushed crackers or substitute the crackers with panko breadcrumbs.
• Extra Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or paprika over the cracker topping before baking.

How to Serve

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole can be served on its own as a main dish or paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic bread, which complements the rich and cheesy flavors of the casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven when ready to serve.

Freezing

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole freezes well. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until it’s warmed all the way through. You can also microwave individual servings if you’re short on time.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great option as it’s already cooked and adds even more flavor to the casserole.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for sour cream and will still provide a creamy texture.

5. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil.

6. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can add cooked vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

7. What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve it with a side of salad, steamed veggies, garlic bread, or even mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

8. How do I make it spicier?

If you want a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.

9. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.

10. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comfort food classic that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy, flavorful topping. It’s simple to make, versatile, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress your guests, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Try it today, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness in every bite!

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