Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is my most-requested comfort food dinner and the first dish to disappear at potlucks. Featuring juicy shredded chicken and a creamy, cheesy filling topped with a crunchy cracker crust, it is perfect for cozy nights or busy family gatherings when you want a meal everyone will rave about.

The first time I made this casserole I was shocked by how quickly my family finished the entire dish and begged for seconds It has been a go to for gatherings and cold Sundays ever since

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Offer juicy results and rich flavor Choose fresh chicken with no strong odor
• Garlic powder: Brings warmth and depth Look for garlic powder with no added fillers
• Sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors Opt for a fine grind for even seasoning
• Ground black pepper: Adds a little kick Freshly ground pepper gives the best aroma
• Frozen mixed vegetables: Colorful and nutritious saves prep time Use a mix with your family’s favorite veggies
• Yellow onion: Diced for a savory flavor base Choose a firm onion with shiny skin
• Olive oil: Used for sautéing which builds extra flavor Use a good quality extra virgin oil
• Cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess Full fat versions melt the smoothest
• Sour cream: Tangy richness Pick a thick and creamy brand for the best result
• Cottage cheese: Extra protein and creaminess Small curd blends in more smoothly
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Classic shortcut for creamy casseroles Low sodium is best if you want to control saltiness
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty cheese pulls everything together Sharp cheddar works best
• Dry ranch dressing mix: Brings savory herby flavor Use a quality brand for bigger flavor
• Ritz crackers: Buttery crunch for the topping Classic Ritz creates the perfect crumble
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the topping for golden crispness Use fresh if possible for the best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Shredded Chicken:

Add chicken thighs to the Instant Pot Sprinkle with garlic powder sea salt and black pepper Pour water over chicken Seal the pot Cook on high pressure for twenty minutes Release pressure manually Move chicken to a cutting board Discard the cooking liquid Shred the chicken with two forks

Prep the Dish:

Preheat the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees F Liberally grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick spray

Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high Add diced onion Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and sauté until translucent This takes about five to seven minutes Stir in thawed mixed vegetables and cook for another one to two minutes

Mix the Creamy Filling:

Using a mixer beat cream cheese until totally smooth Add sour cream cottage cheese condensed soup three quarters cup cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning mix Blend until creamy Fold in shredded chicken and sautéed veggies mixing so everything is evenly coated

Prepare the Cracker Topping:

In a food processor crumble Ritz crackers until fine Add melted unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture is evenly moistened

Assemble the Casserole:

Evenly spread the chicken filling in the prepared baking dish Top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping all over the cheese

Bake the Casserole:

Bake uncovered for thirty five minutes or until bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown Cool for five minutes before serving for neat slices

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My favorite part is the crispy cracker topping that stays crunchy even after a day in the fridge My kids always try to sneak extra bits of the crust Just last Thanksgiving my niece declared this better than grandma’s roast chicken

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely before storing Place leftovers in an airtight container or wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap Refrigerate for up to five days For longer storage cut into portions wrap well and freeze for up to three months Reheat gently in the oven or microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken thighs with rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts if needed For a lighter version use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream Use gluten free crackers if you want a gluten friendly casserole And feel free to mix up the cheese blend with Monterey Jack or mozzarella

Serving Suggestions

This casserole shines as a main dish alongside a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli It is also great with garlic bread for extra comfort food goodness At potlucks pair with roasted vegetables or a cool cucumber salad

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Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken casseroles have been a beloved American comfort food since the mid twentieth century blending convenience pantry staples and crowd pleasing flavors Million Dollar Chicken Casserole echoes recipes passed down from busy home cooks who wanted something warm hearty and always reliable after a long day

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes this casserole so creamy?

The mix of cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and condensed soup gives the filling a rich, creamy texture.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works well. Just shred and use as directed.

→ What vegetables work best in this dish?

Frozen mixed vegetables are easy, but fresh carrots, peas, or corn can be sautéed and added, too.

→ How do I keep the topping crunchy?

Crumble Ritz crackers and toss them with melted butter before sprinkling on top for a golden, crisp finish.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead?

Assemble and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, bake as instructed until hot and bubbly.