Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, blending creamy textures with savory chicken and cheesy goodness. Hearty flavors dance together, promising a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and warms souls with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 cups chicken, shredded or diced
Cheeses:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Seasoning:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy release.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt and pepper, whisking until ingredients are fully integrated.
- Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create an uniform layer across the surface.
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter, ensuring each cracker piece is evenly coated with the rich, golden fat.
- Distribute the buttery cracker crumbs uniformly across the chicken mixture, creating a crisp, textured topping that will transform into a golden-brown crust during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a crisp, amber-colored cracker topping that signals perfect doneness.
- After removing from the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the filling set and prevents scalding. Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant garnish before serving.
Notes
- Swap regular crackers with gluten-free options to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
- Reduce calories by using low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and skinless chicken breast for a lighter version.
- Enhance protein content by adding diced vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
- Create a spicy variation by mixing in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for those craving extra heat and excitement.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 553 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 802 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg