– **Title**: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Then, top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is perfect here. I often use rotisserie chicken for ease. If you’re vegetarian, try using a plant-based chicken substitute or even hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess, but you can substitute with cream of mushroom or even a homemade roux if you’re avoiding canned soups. For a lighter take, try a mix of plain yogurt and broth.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess; Greek yogurt is a great substitute if looking for a healthier option. I love using full-fat sour cream for rich flavor, but low-fat varieties work too.
Cottage Cheese: This gives the casserole a nice texture. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or try ricotta or a vegan alternative for a similar texture.
Ritz Crackers: These provide a buttery crunch, but you can swap them for any crushed crackers or even breadcrumbs. I like adding a sprinkle of parmesan to the cracker topping for extra flavor.
How Do I Get the Cheese Melted Perfectly Without Burning It?
Getting the cheese just right is important for a gooey and appetizing finish. Follow these tips:
- Layer it on top gently, and don’t skip this step! The cheese needs space to melt evenly.
- Check your oven temperature; using an oven thermometer helps ensure it’s accurate.
- If it’s browning too fast, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil until it’s fully cooked.
Let it cool a bit after baking for better slicing and serving. Trust me, it enhances the texture!
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1.5 sleeves)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and will need an additional 30-35 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes to have this delicious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will make sure it’s nice and hot for your casserole!
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
3. Make the Cracker Mixture:
In a separate bowl, take your crushed Ritz crackers and mix them with the melted butter. Stir well so that all the crackers are coated in butter, giving them a delicious rich flavor.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and layer half of the buttery cracker mixture evenly across the bottom. This will form a tasty base. Then, spread the prepared chicken mixture over the cracker layer, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Finally, take the rest of the cracker mixture and sprinkle it over the chicken layer, pressing it down gently to create a nice top layer.
5. Add the Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. Now it’s time to bake it in the preheated oven! Set your timer for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, carefully take the casserole out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Before you dig in, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and an extra touch of flavor!
Enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! It’s a hearty dish that everyone will love!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred or dice the chicken as needed, and save time by skipping the cooking step. It will add great flavor and make preparation even quicker!
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of homemade cream sauce or even cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Alternatively, blending a can of white beans with some chicken broth and seasonings can create a creamy base without using canned soup.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or even spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrients of your casserole. Just stir them into the chicken mixture before layering, and they will cook perfectly while baking.
