Description
Million dollar chicken casserole combines comfort and luxury in one delightful dish. Creamy, cheesy layers meld perfectly with tender chicken, creating a memorable meal that satisfies deeply. Diners will savor each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 30 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz, finely crushed)
- 4 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 tsps Creole seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder (divided into two equal parts)
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tsp sliced scallions (or as desired for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, Creole seasoning, onion powder, and half the garlic powder until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
- Integrate the shredded chicken and chopped parsley into the creamy base, ensuring each chicken piece is thoroughly coated with the rich mixture.
- Prepare the crispy topping by combining crushed crackers, melted butter, and remaining garlic powder in a separate bowl, creating a golden, seasoned crumb layer.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into an 11×7 or 9-inch square baking dish, establishing a smooth foundation for the casserole.
- Distribute mozzarella cheese uniformly across the chicken layer, creating a melty cheese barrier.
- Sprinkle the prepared cracker topping over the cheese, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum crunch.
- Place the casserole on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch potential drips and bake for 35 minutes, or until the topping transforms into a golden-brown crust and the edges bubble with delicious intensity.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly, allowing the layers to settle and flavors to meld.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh scallions for a bright, aromatic finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Customize protein by swapping chicken with turkey, pulled pork, or canned tuna for variety and dietary preferences.
- Reduce fat content by using low-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese, and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version.
- Create gluten-free alternative by substituting crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Enhance nutritional value by adding roasted vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini directly into the chicken mixture for extra nutrients and color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 402 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg