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Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for Busy Nights Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 28 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender cooked chicken with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup, topped with Parmesan, buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, and mozzarella cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. Quick to prepare and loved by families, it makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup

Toppings & Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  3. Season the Mixture: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your preference to enhance the flavor.
  4. Add Chicken: Gently fold in the diced or shredded cooked chicken until it is evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray, then pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
  6. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface of the casserole for a rich, savory layer.
  7. Make Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the cracker crumbs are completely coated.
  8. Apply Cracker Topping: Evenly distribute the buttery cracker mixture over the Parmesan-covered casserole.
  9. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cracker layer for a melty, golden cheese finish.
  10. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
  11. Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
  12. Garnish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley as a garnish, then serve the casserole warm for a cozy meal.

Notes

  • Use cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover chicken to save prep time.
  • For a lower fat version, substitute reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese varieties.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
  • Crushed crackers can be substituted with breadcrumbs for a different topping texture.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley to add color and a fresh note to the rich casserole.

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Find it online: https://cozycookingideas.com/easy-million-dollar-chicken-casserole-for-busy-nights-recipe/