Description

Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and comforting baked dish combining shredded chicken with a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and melted cheeses, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust for a deliciously crispy finish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole offers a creamy texture and savory flavor that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Cheese Mixture

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tbsp melted butter

Garnish (Optional)

2 tbsp chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
Add Chicken and Cheese: Carefully fold in the shredded chicken along with the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, mixing until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Spread in Baking Dish: Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a consistent layer.
Make the Topping: In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the chicken casserole to form a crispy topping.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping turns golden brown.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally garnish with chopped green onions. Allow it to cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

For best results, use freshly cooked chicken shredded by hand or with forks.
Feel free to substitute the Ritz crackers with your favorite buttery cracker or panko crumbs for a different texture.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.