If you’re chasing that cozy, soul-warming meal that feels like a big, delicious hug, look no further than the Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe. This dish takes classic, creamy chicken casserole to a whole new level with a dreamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection beneath a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s the kind of meal that transforms everyday ingredients into a celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply comforting yourself after a long day. Once you try it, this recipe will become your go-to for satisfying that craving for hearty, homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, delivering creamy richness, gentle seasoning, or that irresistible crunchy topping. These accessible staples come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken: The hearty base of tender chicken that fills the casserole with protein and substance.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Adds silky, smooth creaminess that binds the casserole wonderfully.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Brings a mild, slightly tangy flavor along with extra moisture and texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Enhances richness and introduces a subtle tang to balance the dish.
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret to deep, comforting savoriness that ties everything together.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a gentle warmth and flavor boost without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the creamy filling.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed): Creates the irresistible crunchy topping with buttery crispness and golden color.
- 5 tablespoons butter (melted): Coats the crackers, ensuring a perfect, rich crust when baked.
How to Make Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spritz a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This ensures your casserole slides out beautifully when baked.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Base
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and the can of Cream of Chicken Soup. Stir gently but thoroughly until you have a smooth, even mixture. The cream cheese and sour cream meld everything into a luscious filling that’s full of flavor.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture Into Your Dish
Pour and spread your creamy chicken mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish. An even layer helps it cook consistently and ensures every bite has the perfect amount of creamy chicken goodness.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all the crumbs are coated. This combination bakes up into the crown jewel of the casserole — a buttery, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over your chicken mixture, then place the dish in the oven uncovered. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling hot and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. This finish adds not only texture but visual appeal that makes it impossible to resist.
How to Serve Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the creamy casserole. If you crave a little extra zing, a few crushed red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of hot sauce works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This chicken casserole pairs perfectly with crisp, simple sides. Consider a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness or some steamed green beans or asparagus for added crunch and color. For a heartier meal, buttery mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls complement the dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with fresh herbs. Another fun idea is to turn this casserole into a potluck star by baking it in a decorative casserole dish and serving it straight from the oven, letting guests help themselves to that delicious golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can safely stay in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making for effortless next-day meals that are just as satisfying.
Freezing
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe also freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it; cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time until it’s hot and bubbly all the way through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through to retain that crispy topping. If pressed for time, a microwave works too, but the crust won’t stay as crunchy, so consider popping it under the broiler for a minute or two afterwards.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and full of flavor. Just chop it up and use as directed for a quick shortcut.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want a homemade touch or need a substitute, you can use a mixture of chicken broth and a simple cream sauce, or try a can of cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?
It’s best to freeze the casserole unbaked for optimal texture, but you can freeze baked leftovers too. Just be aware the topping might lose some crispness when thawed and reheated.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can try dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese alternatives, but texture and flavor might vary. Also, check that your cream of chicken soup or substitute is dairy-free.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture before baking. The creamy base balances heat wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe that speaks to the heart and soul of home cooking. It’s creamy, crunchy, easy to make, and endlessly comforting — perfect for any occasion where you want to serve up joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover just how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen.
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Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole (Million Dollar Chicken Casserole) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Casserole, also known as Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, is a creamy, cheesy, and rich dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Combining shredded cooked chicken with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, it’s topped with a buttery crushed Ritz cracker crust for a deliciously crispy finish. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole offers hearty comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for the casserole.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Spread the mixture: Evenly spread the prepared chicken mixture into the greased 9×9 inch baking dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, stirring until the crackers are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Bake until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty, creamy comfort food hot from the oven.
Notes
- Use fully cooked chicken to save time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- You can add chopped vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to avoid burning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
