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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This isn’t some fussy, complicated recipe. It’s pure comfort food in a dish. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with the buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping creates a flavor and texture explosion that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken – hello, smart cooking! It’s the perfect Cream Cheese Chicken Casserole to bring to a potluck or have ready for a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dried onion powder
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 5 Tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Don’t skip this step – nobody wants a stuck-on casserole!
  2. Make the Creamy Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is nicely blended. This is where that amazing flavor starts to come together.
  3. Spread & Top: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Try not to lick the spoon…though we won’t judge if you do!
  4. Ritz Cracker Magic: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. It should resemble damp sand – perfect for a crispy topping. Sprinkle this buttery goodness evenly over the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy with the crackers!
  5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and that Ritz cracker topping is golden brown and perfectly crispy.
  6. Cool & Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up a little, making it easier to scoop.

Notes

  • Chicken Shortcuts: Rotisserie chicken is your best friend here! It saves so much time. You could also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
  • Cracker Crunch: For extra crispy Ritz crackers, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet before crushing.
  • Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
  • Lumpy Soup? Don’t Sweat It!: Sometimes cream of chicken soup can be a little…well, lumpy. Don’t worry! It all bakes together and tastes just as delicious. No one will notice!

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Ritz Crackers, Cream Cheese Chicken Casserole