Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory baked dish perfect for a comforting family meal. It combines shredded chicken with a rich blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, three types of cheese, and a cracker topping for a delightful crunch. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole makes an impressive yet simple weeknight dinner or potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Chicken and Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the prepared chicken mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish to ensure uniform cooking.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine crushed buttery crackers with melted unsalted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crackers are well-coated in butter, which will help create a crispy topping.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling, covering the surface completely to give a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute light sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
