Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish loaded with shredded chicken, a blend of three cheeses, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. This comforting casserole combines tender chicken with sour cream, mayonnaise, and condensed soup for richness, then topped with a flavorful, golden crust, making it an ideal family meal or potluck favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Cheese Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cracker Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Chicken and Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the prepared chicken and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crackers are well coated with butter, which will help create a golden, crunchy topping when baked.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, covering the surface completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges, indicating it is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra creaminess, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with cream cheese.
- Crushed buttery crackers provide the classic crunchy topping; substitute with crushed Ritz or buttery saltines.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to make slicing easier and prevent burns.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat until warmed through.
