Description
Million dollar chicken casserole delivers a comforting blend of creamy textures and savory flavors. Home cooks can enjoy this hearty dish that combines tender chicken, rich cheeses, and buttery crackers for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 cup (112 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup (100 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, creating a smooth base for the casserole.
- Incorporate sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and aromatic seasonings like garlic and onion powder into the mixture, stirring until ingredients are completely integrated.
- Season the combined ingredients with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Carefully transfer the creamy chicken mixture into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and melt butter in a separate bowl, then mix the two ingredients to form a crispy topping.
- Distribute the buttery cracker crumbs across the casserole’s surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and golden-brown cracker topping.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes to set.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-packed, lower-fat version that maintains creamy texture.
- Prep chicken ahead of time by roasting or using rotisserie chicken to save cooking time and enhance flavor depth.
- Consider adding diced vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg