Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with a buttery cracker topping, combining flavors of chicken, cream cheese, and savory spices for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons Creole seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
• 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 30 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon sliced scallions, or to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven Set your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While it's warming up, you can take a moment to gather all your ingredients and get ready to create something delicious.

2. Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese. Toss in the Creole seasoning, onion powder, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir everything together until the mix is smooth and well-blended. This creamy concoction is going to be the heart of your casserole.

3. Step 3: Add Chicken and Herbs Gently fold the shredded rotisserie chicken and chopped fresh parsley into the creamy mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy sauce, so every bite is packed with flavor.

4. Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping Crush those buttery round crackers until they're just crumbs, then mix them up in a bowl with the melted butter and the remaining half teaspoon of garlic powder. This will be your crunchy, savory topping.

5. Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Transfer the chicken mixture into an 11x7-inch or 9-inch square baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Scatter the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, then finish off with the cracker mixture. This layering will give your casserole a delightful texture contrast.

6. Step 6: Bake to Perfection Place your assembled dish on a foil-lined baking sheet—this makes clean-up easier if anything bubbles over. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the crackers are golden and the edges are bubbling. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some sliced scallions on top just before serving. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Notes

In the world of casseroles, the Million Dollar Chicken version often sees a few missteps. First, some folks rush the mixing process, leaving chunks of cream cheese behind. To dodge this, just ensure all your creamy elements are at room temperature—your arm will thank you!

Another hiccup is overbaking. The crackers should be gold, not amber! Keep an eye on them; 35 minutes is usually perfect.

And don't forget to crush those crackers just right. Too big, and they won't coat evenly; too small, and they'll become powdery. Follow these tips and your casserole will shine like a million bucks!