Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken combined with rich sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Topped with a crunchy, buttery bacon and cracker mixture, this casserole is perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck, offering a satisfying blend of cheesy, savory flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, forming a creamy, cohesive mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly across the bottom to create an even layer.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers, crumbled cooked bacon, remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter. Combine well until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the cracker and bacon topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, distributing it so every bite will have a crunchy top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is a golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and for easier portioning.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time; assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake to save time on busy days.
- For an added flavor boost, consider mixing chopped green onions into the chicken mixture or adding a few dashes of hot sauce according to your taste.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the crushed Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cereal.
