Description

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a creamy, cheesy casserole that brings everyone to the table. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a dish that lives up to its name, offering a luxurious blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is sure to be the star of the meal. In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe, ensuring your success in creating this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a smooth layer.
Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. This step is crucial for creating the crunchy, golden-brown topping.
Top and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is a beautiful golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your loved ones.

Notes

Serving Tips

Pairing Suggestions: This rich and creamy casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus. You can also serve it with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Serving Size: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, but you can easily adjust the ingredients if you’re cooking for a smaller group.
Garnishing: For a fresh touch, garnish the casserole with chopped parsley or chives. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the casserole to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal. After baking, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If reheating from the refrigerator, bake the casserole uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it may take 45 minutes to an hour to warm up completely. Cover the casserole with foil during reheating to prevent the top from burning.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole at its best, whether fresh from the oven or as delicious leftovers.