Description
Million dollar chicken casserole brings comfort and classic flavors to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy layers combine with tender chicken for a satisfying meal that delights family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 cups (946 ml) chicken, shredded
Dairy and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 2 cups (220 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded cooked chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, both condensed soups, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and all seasonings until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
- Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
- Create the crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring until the crackers are completely coated and appear slightly glossy.
- Liberally sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken layer, covering the entire casserole with a uniform layer of crumbs.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown cracker top and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is heated through.
- Once finished, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving hot.
Notes
- Swap out regular Ritz crackers for gluten-free versions to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost protein content and reduce overall fat while maintaining creamy texture.
- Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium condensed soups and controlling added salt during preparation.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to increase nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 901 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg