Description
This Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or potluck. With a creamy blend of cheeses, sour cream, mayonnaise, and tender shredded chicken, topped with a buttery cracker crust and baked to golden perfection, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines convenience and decadence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken: Fold the cooked shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, making sure every piece is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, uniform layer for even cooking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to form a crunchy, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken speeds up prep time and adds great flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra richness and depth of flavor.
- Pair this casserole with green beans or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the mixture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
