Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food You Can Make in Under an Hour

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a million bucks, you’ve found it in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken, making it the perfect dish to serve on a weeknight or as a crowd-pleasing dinner. The best part? It’s super easy to make, yet tastes like something you'd expect from a fancy restaurant!

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

This dish has been a staple in my household for years, especially when I need something delicious that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and cottage cheese creates an ultra-creamy base, while the buttery Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect crunch. Every bite feels indulgent, yet the recipe comes together in under an hour. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can swap in turkey or add some veggies for a more personalized twist!

I found this incredible recipe from Insanely Good Recipes and couldn't wait to share it with you. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a family favorite!

Fun Fact:

Did you know casseroles became a go-to dish in American kitchens during the 1950s? They were seen as an efficient way to feed a crowd using affordable ingredients, making them a comfort food staple for generations. This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole carries that tradition, but with an elevated, richer twist that makes it stand out from the rest.

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• ¾ cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
3. Add Chicken: Fold the cooked, chopped chicken into the mixture, ensuring it's well-coated.
4. Prepare the Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers. You can use a food processor, or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the top.
6. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

Pro Tips:

• For added flavor, mix in some cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms with the chicken mixture.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed veggies like broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the casserole up to step 5 and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven!

Perfect Pairings:

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. For a truly comforting dinner, serve it with garlic bread or mashed potatoes.

Did you love this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole recipe? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share it with your friends! Be sure to follow me for more amazing recipes like this one. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next!