Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole combines creamy textures with hearty Southern comfort. Cheesy layers of tender chicken, cream cheese, and crispy crackers create a luxurious meal that delights family gatherings with rich, satisfying flavors you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 cups (960 ml) cooked chicken, shredded
Cheese Blend:
- 1 cup (240 ml / 4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml / 4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml / 4 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- 10.75 ounces (305 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 ml / 4 ounces) crushed buttery crackers
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Assemble all ingredients and preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating a warm environment for the casserole to develop rich flavors.
- Prepare a spacious baking dish by lightly coating it with grease to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Create a creamy chicken base by thoroughly blending shredded chicken with a medley of dairy components including sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup.
- Enhance the mixture’s depth by incorporating a trio of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan – which will provide a luxurious, melted texture.
- Season the chicken mixture with aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Spread the seasoned chicken mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
- Distribute the cracker mixture generously over the chicken base, covering the entire surface for a delightful textural contrast.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the edges bubble and the top transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
- Once baked, allow the casserole to rest briefly, helping the ingredients set and intensify their flavors.
- Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Notes
- Elevate your weeknight dinner with this indulgent, cheesy chicken casserole that combines creamy textures and crunchy cracker topping.
- Prep this dish ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal.
- Choose rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor and reduces kitchen prep work.
- Ensure crackers are freshly crushed for maximum crunch and buttery richness across the casserole’s golden top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain the crispy cracker layer.
- Pair with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, creamy casserole for a complete dinner experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg