Why Make This Recipe
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a fantastic dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table. It combines tender chicken, creamy ingredients, and crunchy toppings, creating a dish that everyone will love. This casserole is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With its rich flavors and textures, it’s no wonder it’s called "Million Dollar"!
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 5-6 slices of bacon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- Chopped chives for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, mozzarella, and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until creamy and well blended.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Bake the bacon strips on 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until well done and golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with crumbled bacon and sliced chives.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Serve this casserole hot from the oven. You can enjoy it as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. It also pairs nicely with rice or crusty bread. For an extra touch, add more chives or even a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before serving.
How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture.
- To make it healthier, swap some of the sour cream and mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
- Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or gouda, for a unique flavor.
Variation
You can easily turn this casserole into a larger dish by adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms. Just steam them before mixing them into the casserole for added nutrition and flavor!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and cooked before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve it.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
You can use any type of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping. Panko breadcrumbs can also give a nice crunchy texture!
