Description
Creamy million dollar chicken casserole combines comfort and elegance in one hearty dish. Savory layers of tender chicken, rich cheese, and crisp crackers promise a memorable meal that satisfies deeply.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chicken, shredded
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and shredded chicken in a mixing bowl, blending thoroughly and seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire casserole layer.
- Create a crispy topping by mixing melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers until well-incorporated.
- Evenly scatter the buttery cracker mixture across the cheese-covered casserole, providing a crunchy texture contrast.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, helping the ingredients set and cool slightly.
- Serve warm, offering a rich and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Notes
- Make the dish ahead of time by preparing the casserole and refrigerating it up to 24 hours before baking, which helps blend flavors and saves cooking time.
- Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that reduces overall fat content without compromising creamy texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick assembly and deeper flavor profile, ensuring the meat is already seasoned and tender before mixing into the casserole.
- Create a gluten-free option by replacing Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a crispy, crunchy topping that accommodates dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 466 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg