Prepare to unlock the secret to the most decadent, crowd-pleasing chicken casserole that's about to become the star of your dinner table! The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole isn't just another recipe – it's a culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds (and thirds). With a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and a crispy, irresistible topping, this dish promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to become the kitchen hero who transforms an ordinary weeknight meal into an extraordinary dining experience!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. This will create a delicious topping for your casserole.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking. Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Evenly sprinkle the cracker and cheese mixture over the top of the chicken mixture. This will give your casserole a nice crunchy topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with family and friends!
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even easier preparation and extra flavor boost.
- For the most tender and flavorful casserole, ensure your chicken is freshly cooked and still slightly warm when mixing with other ingredients.
- Don't overmix the chicken mixture – combine ingredients just until they're incorporated to keep the texture light and fluffy.
- For a golden, extra-crispy topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make this dish ahead of time by preparing and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking – just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
