Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

$- 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie option) - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed) For this casserole, using rotisserie chicken makes it easy. You can shred it and save time. The cream cheese and sour cream create a rich, smooth base. They blend with the cream of chicken soup for a creamy texture. The shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor and melts beautifully. The peas and carrots give the dish color and nutrients. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste The garlic and onion powders pack in flavor without being too strong. Dried parsley adds a fresh touch. Salt and pepper balance everything out. You can adjust these spices to fit your taste. - 2 cups crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) - 4 tablespoons melted butter The crushed buttery crackers create a delightful crunch. Mixing them with melted butter helps them brown nicely. This topping makes the casserole feel special and adds a fun texture. Together, these ingredients create a warm, comforting dish. You can prepare this meal for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. It's a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. - In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. - Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. - Fold in the shredded chicken and thawed peas and carrots. - Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. - Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. - Transfer the chicken mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly. - In another bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter. - Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the chicken layer. - Top it with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it covers the whole dish. - Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. - Use rotisserie chicken for ease. It saves time and adds great flavor. - Ensure cream cheese is fully softened. This helps create a smooth, creamy mix. - Garnish with fresh parsley. It makes the dish look nice and adds flavor. - Pair with a green salad or warm bread. These sides balance the meal well. - Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture. This keeps the chicken tender and moist. - Don't skip the resting time after baking. Letting it rest improves the texture and taste. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For added convenience and flavor, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option that saves time on cooking and shredding. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for an extra nutritional boost and crunchy texture. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese in your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Try Monterey Jack or even cream cheese. Both options melt well and add great flavor. For veggies, swap peas and carrots for broccoli or mixed frozen veggies. Each choice gives the dish a new twist. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers. They work just as well and keep the crunch. For a lighter version, swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt. This change cuts calories and adds protein without losing creaminess. Want to make this dish even more fun? Layer it with pasta for a hearty casserole. You can also serve it in individual ramekins. This makes serving easy and adds a nice touch for guests. Store leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in the fridge. Use a tight lid or wrap it well. This keeps the casserole fresh. It can last about three to four days. Choose glass or plastic containers for easy storage. Make sure they are airtight to avoid drying out. You can freeze the casserole for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil for extra protection. For best results, eat it within three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. To heat up your casserole, you can use an oven or microwave. The oven gives the best texture. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep out moisture and air. If you cover it well, it will stay tasty longer. Remember to check for any signs of spoilage before serving. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. To do this, mix all the ingredients and place them in the casserole dish. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. This makes dinner easy after a busy day. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. This dish pairs well with various sides. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. - Garlic bread complements the creamy flavors. - Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add nutrition. - For drinks, a light lemonade or iced tea works nicely. These sides make the meal complete and satisfying. Enjoy your delicious casserole! This blog post detailed how to make a delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. We covered the key ingredients like chicken, cream cheese, and cheddar, and shared step-by-step instructions. I also offered expert tips, serving ideas, and ways to store your leftovers. In conclusion, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. You can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty casserole with family and friends!$

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

A creamy and delicious chicken casserole topped with buttery crackers and cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
to taste salt and pepper
2 cups crushed buttery crackers
4 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add the shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to the cream mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken layer in the casserole dish.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve slices of the casserole on individual plates, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food