Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

There’s nothing like a creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible casserole to satisfy both your taste buds and your comfort food cravings. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a dish that lives up to its luxurious name. Rich, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. Whether you're prepping for a family dinner, potluck, or a cozy night in, this dish guarantees happy smiles all around. Let's dive into this showstopper recipe and learn how to make a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that everyone will love!

What is a “Million Dollar Chicken Casserole”?

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is an indulgent, creamy, and cheesy dish made with tender shredded chicken, a variety of rich dairy ingredients, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It's comfort food at its finest, combining the classic flavors of chicken and cheese with a hint of herbs and spices. The "million-dollar" moniker refers to how luxurious, decadent, and utterly satisfying this dish tastes. It's the perfect meal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Casserole Filling Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature – The cream cheese provides a rich, smooth, and slightly tangy base for the casserole.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds a layer of creaminess and a slight tart flavor.
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese – This fresh cheese adds a mild, creamy texture and helps thicken the casserole.
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken with herbs – This ready-made soup adds depth and savory flavor to the dish. Campbell's brand is highly recommended for its quality.
• ¾ teaspoon garlic salt – Adds a savory and aromatic touch to the casserole.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the overall flavor with a mild, sweet, and savory onion taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice and balances the richness of the dish.
• 4 cups shredded white meat chicken – You’ll need approximately 2 pounds of chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – This provides a melty, cheesy top layer that makes every bite ooey-gooey delicious.
• 1½ cups Ritz cracker crumbs – One sleeve of 32 crackers will be enough to make this crispy and buttery topping.
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted – This binds the cracker crumbs together and gives the topping its irresistible buttery taste.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a pop of freshness and color to the final dish.

Substitutions and Variations

While the original Million Dollar Chicken Casserole recipe is fantastic as is, you may want to tailor it to your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to make substitutions and variations:

1. Cheese Variations:
   • If you’re out of mozzarella, feel free to use cheddar, Colby-Jack, or gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
   • For an extra kick, you can add some pepper jack cheese or sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
2. Protein Substitutes:
   • Swap out the shredded chicken with turkey or even shredded pork if you have leftovers from another meal.
   • For a vegetarian version, use shredded zucchini or mushrooms in place of chicken.
3. Dairy-Free Options:
   • Substitute the cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta with dairy-free versions like almond or coconut-based alternatives.
   • Opt for vegan shredded cheese to keep it dairy-free but still delicious.
4. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping to make this casserole celiac-friendly.
   • Be sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own with gluten-free ingredients.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to preparing this hearty casserole.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once you’ve prepared your casserole. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You’ll need about 4 cups of shredded chicken, which is roughly 2 pounds.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Mix until smooth. Then, stir in the cream of chicken soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Make sure the mixture is well blended.

Step 4: Add the Chicken

Gently fold the shredded chicken into the creamy mixture until it’s well-coated and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the chicken and cream mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole, making sure the top is completely covered.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

1. Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling.
2. Overcooking the casserole: Keep a close eye on your casserole as it bakes. Overcooking can cause the topping to burn and the chicken to dry out.
3. Skipping the seasoning: Don't skip or skimp on the garlic salt, onion powder, or pepper. These spices enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
4. Using wet chicken: Make sure the chicken is dry before mixing it into the creamy base. If the chicken is too wet, it can water down the filling and make the casserole soggy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ways you can serve and present it to make the meal even more appealing:

1. How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
   • Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
   • It also goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice if you’re looking to bulk up the meal with some hearty sides.
2. Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
   • Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even basil for an added touch of freshness.
   • Serve individual portions on small, colorful plates to brighten up the presentation, especially if you’re hosting guests.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some handy tips to ensure your casserole comes out perfectly every time:

• Pre-shredded Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s perfectly tender and ready to go.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it great for prepping meals ahead.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! After assembling, cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
A: Yes, turkey or even shredded pork can be used in place of chicken. It’s also delicious with leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Definitely! Adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli can make the casserole more nutritious and colorful.

Conclusion

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that brings everyone to the table. Whether you're making it for a quick family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prepping or freezing. So next time you’re craving comfort food, give this casserole a try, and you’ll see why it truly deserves its “million-dollar” reputation!

Enjoy, and happy cooking!

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