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Busy day or not, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole totally hits the spot—super rich, easy to whip up, and packed with cozy goodness. You'll love the creamy chicken, gooey cheese, and crunchy buttery cracker layer on top. Honestly, it's one of those comfort foods that just make your kitchen feel extra warm.
I first made this on a cold evening with some leftover rotisserie chicken and everyone went back for more. Now I always double up when friends stop by.
Delicious Ingredients
- Salt and pepper: Sprinkle to taste and adjust till you like it. They brighten all the flavors nicely.
- Chopped chives: Quick snip for a burst of freshness. Make sure they're green and only cut right before serving for best color.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky kick that really stands out. Use center cut and crisp it up in the oven if you can.
- Unsalted butter: Melts in with the crackers for the crunchiest topping. Real butter is best.
- Ritz crackers: Just smash 'em up for that buttery, crispy crown. Crushed right before baking gives peak crunch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Picks up every bite with a stretchy pull. For super meltiness, go with whole milk mozzarella.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Grate your own from a block for super sharpness and that perfect melt.
- Mayonnaise: Helps everything get super creamy. Skip the low-fat stuff and use full-flavor mayo.
- Sour cream: Adds a hint of tang and rich smoothness. Full-fat will give you the best taste.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Brings that classic creamy vibe. Low sodium's a solid swap if that's your thing.
- Cooked chicken: Diced or shredded works, but rotisserie makes it extra juicy and tasty.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Garnish and Serve:
- After you pull the dish from the oven, sprinkle on more chives and the leftover bacon. Give it five minutes before digging in to let things settle.
- Crisp Up the Bacon:
- Bake your reserved bacon strips at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes until they're golden and snappy. Crumble them up once they've cooled.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Set your dish on the middle rack and bake uncovered twenty-five to thirty minutes. You want bubbling edges and a crunchy top.
- Top the Casserole:
- Scatter the buttery cracker crumbs all over the filling. Make sure the corners get a good layer for max crunch.
- Make the Cracker Topping:
- Mix melted butter into the crushed Ritz crackers till they're glossy and evenly coated all over.
- Assemble in the Baking Dish:
- Spread the creamy chicken mix in your greased baking dish, getting it into every corner so it bakes up nice and moist throughout.
- Mix the Base:
- In your biggest bowl, stir together both cheeses, chicken, soup, mayo, most of the bacon, and sour cream. Toss in salt and pepper, and mix well so it’s all smooth.
- Preheat and Prep:
- Heat up your oven to 350°F and get your 9x13 pan greased up so nothing sticks.
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I always look forward to that crunchy cracker topping. As a kid, my grandma used to let me crush the crackers—still my favorite part. The way it gets golden in the oven is why I always sneak the edge piece.
Storing Leftovers
After it cools, cover tightly and stash in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven—gets the topping crispy again. You can freeze single servings wrapped in foil for a speedy lunch, too.
Simple Swaps
No chicken? Use cooked turkey. Lighten it up a bit by swapping Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you're out of Ritz, panko or cornflakes work for the topping.
Serving Ideas
I like to pair this with a simple salad, lemony greens, or some quickly steamed green beans. Want a little kick? Drizzle some hot sauce on top for a southern boost—it's perfect for chilly nights.
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History and Background
This classic casserole is a true American comfort food, inspired by old-school creamy bakes and gatherings with family or neighbors. The “million dollar” part is all about just how rich and indulgent it tastes with extra cheese and bacon. Dishes like this have gathered folks at the table for years.
Common Questions
- → Is there a best chicken to use?
Shredded or diced chicken breast or thigh both work awesome. Grabbing a rotisserie chicken is a quick option, too.
- → Can I pick different cheeses?
Totally. Try Colby, Monterey Jack, or any melty cheese you like and swap them for the usual ones.
- → How do I make the top crunchy?
Stir buttery, crushed Ritz crackers together and scatter on last thing before baking so you get that golden, crisp top.
- → Can I make this in advance?
Definitely—just build the casserole, stash in the fridge covered, and toss on the cracker topping only right before it hits the oven.
- → Are leftovers easy to reheat?
Yep, just warm up what you need in a microwave or use the oven. Heating it up in the oven keeps the top nice and crunchy.
- → What should I serve on the side?
This goes great with a quick salad, some toasty bread, or roasted veggies—nice and simple.