Ah, the humble chicken casserole—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This dish has seen me through late nights, comforted me after long days, and even made an appearance at a few potlucks where, I swear, it stole the spotlight.
Easy to whip up, this creamy delight is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking. Picture this:
tender chicken mingling with a creamy, dreamy sauce, all tucked under a blanket of golden, bubbling cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up with a cozy blanket and a good book.
And while I’m here, let me just say, if you haven’t already paired it with a crisp green salad or a slice of crusty bread, you’re missing out. But hey, that’s just my two cents!
So, are you ready to dive into this scrumptious adventure? Who knows, it might just become your new favorite go-to dish.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set it aside for later use.
- Remove the skin from a rotisserie chicken and shred the meat, discarding the bones. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle this over the chicken mixture.
- Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is bubbly and golden brown on top. Optional: garnish with dried parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (such as from a rotisserie chicken)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
FAQ
- Can I prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in advance?
- Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the dish, spread it in a casserole dish, cover, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. For best results, allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
- Is it possible to freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze the casserole, whether it’s baked or unbaked. To bake after freezing, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as per the instructions. If reheating, thaw overnight, cover with foil, and bake at 350ºF for 30 to 40 minutes.
- What types of chicken can I use in this casserole?
- You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand, such as rotisserie chicken, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins. It’s also delicious with leftover turkey.
- Can I customize the ingredients in Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
- Yes, you can add various ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, green peas, carrots, and broccoli. Additionally, you can use any flavor of condensed cream soup to suit your taste.
- What should I serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
- Consider serving this dish over white rice or egg noodles. A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the dish’s creaminess, and steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts add texture. For a heartier meal, pair it with buttery garlic bread or warm rolls.
Tips
- For a quicker preparation, use a rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat for convenience.
- Ensure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing it into the casserole. If needed, microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds to help it incorporate smoothly.
- You can prepare the casserole in advance. Complete steps up to spreading it in the pan, then refrigerate or freeze for later baking. Just remember to thaw it completely before baking as directed.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free cream of chicken soup and use crushed pork rinds instead of Ritz crackers for a crunchy topping.
Equipment
- 9×9-inch Baking Dish – If you don’t have the right size baking dish, you might need to purchase one.
- Cooking Spray – While many people have this at home, if you don’t, it’s something you might buy.
- Microwave – For softening cream cheese, although this is typically a household item.
- Airtight Containers – For storing leftovers in the fridge.
