Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with tender chicken, rich cheeses, and a crispy buttery topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken with herbs (1 can)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 cups shredded white meat chicken (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded is best)
- 1½ cups Ritz cracker crumbs (from 1 sleeve of 32 crackers)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until smooth and loosened for easy blending.
- Step 3: Add sour cream, ricotta cheese, cream of chicken with herbs, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper to the cream cheese. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
- Step 4: Add the shredded white meat chicken and gently fold it in until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Step 5: Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Step 8: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Step 10: Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Substitute Ritz cracker crumbs with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the creamy mixture.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy texture and topping.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this casserole?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch, but fresh cooked or rotisserie chicken will give you a better texture and flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked casserole featuring shredded white meat chicken mixed with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and cream of chicken soup, topped with mozzarella cheese and a buttery Ritz cracker crumb crust. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and potlucks, combining savory flavors with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken with herbs (1 can)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 cups shredded white meat chicken (2 pounds)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded is best)
- 1½ cups Ritz cracker crumbs (from 1 sleeve of 32 crackers)
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Smooth Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until smooth and loosened for easy blending with other ingredients.
- Combine Dairy and Seasonings: Add sour cream, ricotta cheese, cream of chicken with herbs soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper to the cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in Chicken: Add shredded white meat chicken to the creamy mixture and gently fold until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix Ritz cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are coated. Evenly sprinkle this crumb mixture over the mozzarella cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake the casserole at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese rather than pre-shredded.
- Be sure to soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth blend.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish.
- The mixture can be doubled for larger gatherings by baking in a larger dish or multiple casserole dishes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinners
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, baked chicken casserole, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food, easy dinner casserole
