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Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer Recipe

Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish featuring shredded chicken blended with a rich mixture of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and two types of cheese. Topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers, this casserole bakes to golden perfection and offers a delightful crunch. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to make and pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs, side salads, or garlic bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Garnish (Optional)

  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your taste and mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Fill the Dish: Pour the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crackers are well coated and crumbly.
  5. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the butter-coated cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling in the baking dish, ensuring a complete coverage for a crunchy top.
  6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping turns a golden brown color.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, consider adding a mix of breadcrumbs along with the crushed crackers for the topping.
  • You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños into the filling mixture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein option.
  • Garnishing with fresh herbs like chives or thyme also complements the flavors well.

Nutrition

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, comfort food casserole, baked chicken recipe

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/pour-the-chicken-mixture-into-your-prepared-baking-dish-smoothing-it-into-an-even-layer-recipe/