Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish featuring shredded white meat chicken blended with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and flavorful cream of chicken soup. Topped with mozzarella cheese and buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, this casserole offers a comforting, golden crust and a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese 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)

Seasonings

½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon garlic salt

Main Ingredients

4 cups shredded white meat chicken (about 2 pounds)

Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
Soften Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir until smooth and loosened, making it easier to blend with other ingredients.
Mix Cream Cheese Base: 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 completely smooth and well combined.
Add Chicken: Gently fold in the shredded white meat chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
Transfer Mixture: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish, leveling the surface with a spatula or spoon.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken mixture to add richness and a melty layer.
Prepare Cracker Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Evenly sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture over the mozzarella cheese layer.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cracker topping turns a golden brown.
Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the casserole to firm up slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

This casserole is best served warm and can be complemented by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melt and texture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a lower fat version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinners
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, baked chicken dish, Ritz cracker topping, easy dinner casserole