The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the unrivaled comfort food, say very few that are creamy, cheesy, and downright yummy. It’s really a simple preparation yet pack-in rich flavors that make one taste extra servings for families and guests alike. If looking for a meal to counteract all contingencies cheap but tasting like a million bucks this recipe is it!
What is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a baked dish that is creamy, cheesy and a bit crunchy. It has shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream and cheddar cheese and is topped with crushed buttery crackers. An ultimate comfort food this casserole is home-style good and is ideal for family dinners, potlucks or meal prepping.
Why is it Called “Million Dollar” Chicken Casserole?
The name of Million Dollar casserole comes from the variety of flavors and that’s a very rich texture because of which it feels very rich eating it. Though this dish doesn’t cost you a million dollars the flavor is really a million bucks!
Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
To make this delicious dish you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a great mixing bowl mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Stir until well mixed and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mix evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top has a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Set casserole aside for a few minutes then serve cooling on crispy ingredients inside creamy richness of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Tips for Making the Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: You can save time on preparatory work by availing already roasted and rotisserie chickens if you prefer.
- Add Extra Cheese: If one is fond of cheese, one might wish to add some mozzarella or parmesan to the dish for some extra creaminess.
- Use Different Crackers: Think of trying crushed corn flakes, panko crumbs or bacon crumbled coarsely for some added crunch instead of Ritz.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed Vegetables (broccoli, green beans or carrots)
- Garlic Bread for an extra indulgent meal
- Garden Salad to add freshness and balance
- Mashed Potatoes for an ultimate comfort food experience
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing:
- Put the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum period of 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or reheat small single portions in a microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing:
- You must freeze the casserole before baking. Always wrap it tightly with cling wrap and foil. You can store it up to three months.
- To bake from frozen thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
Variations of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Low-Carb Version: Chunk the low-sodium crackers and use full-fat dump-the-sugar cream cheese.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: You can supplement your nutrition by adding mushrooms, bell peppers or spinach on the pizza.
- Buffalo Chicken Version: Mix in some buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole probably is the most wonderful comfort food-set dish. It’s creamy, cheesy and dripping with rich flavor. This dish is ideal for family dinners, gatherings and meal prep. Following some simple ingredients and easy steps can take your host meal to a whole new level-it’ll truly taste like a million bucks!
For More Detail: www.allrecipes.com
