Description
This creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and comforting baked dish featuring shredded chicken blended with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and mayonnaise. Topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust and melted cheese, this casserole offers a savory, indulgent meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Cheese Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Fold in the shredded cooked chicken, shredded mozzarella, and shredded cheddar cheese gently until all ingredients are evenly combined throughout the creamy mixture.
- Spread in Baking Dish: Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture uniformly over the top of the casserole to create a golden, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping has turned a golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and, if desired, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to enhance taste and avoid burns.
Notes
- For a sharper flavor, substitute sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild cheddar.
- If you prefer a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded finely for the best texture.
- To add a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes in the cheese mixture.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set up and enhance the flavors.
