Description
A creamy, comforting casserole featuring tender chicken enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with buttery Ritz crackers for the perfect crunch. This indulgent dish lives up to its name with its million-dollar flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4½ cups cooked, chopped chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This ensures even cooking and easy serving when the casserole is done.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and you have a smooth, creamy mixture. Make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated without any lumps.
- Add the Chicken: Fold in the chopped cooked chicken until it’s evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Gently incorporate the chicken to maintain its texture while ensuring each piece is covered with the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking and presentation.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well combined. The butter should coat all the cracker crumbs evenly, creating a rich topping that will become golden and crunchy when baked.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
- For best results, use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked.
- To freeze, prepare without the cracker topping and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the topping just before baking, and increase baking time by 10-15 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
- For a flavor variation, try adding 1 teaspoon of ranch seasoning or Italian herbs to the creamy mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 125mg