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MILLION DOLLAR CHICKEN CASSEROLE

MILLION DOLLAR CHICKEN CASSEROLE

There's a reason it's called Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 34 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

Protein Base

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
  • 8 oz bacon cooked and crumbled

Creamy Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cans 10.5 oz each cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Flavor Enhancers

  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Cheese Components

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Crunchy Topping

  • cups Ritz crackers crushed
  • 4 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat & Prep:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13" baking dish.
  • Cook Base Ingredients:
  • If not already done, cook and shred chicken. Crisp and crumble bacon.
  • Mix the Creamy Base:
  • Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sour cream and mayo until creamy. Stir in soups and slowly add broth for desired consistency.
  • Sauté Aromatics:
  • In a skillet, cook onions in olive oil until soft (3–4 mins). Add garlic, cook 30 sec. Stir into creamy base.
  • Flavor Boost:
  • Add Worcestershire, thyme, salt, pepper. Fold in two-thirds of the crumbled bacon.
  • Combine Chicken & Cheese:
  • Stir chicken into creamy mix. Add 1½ cups cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella. Spread into the baking dish.
  • Make the Topping:
  • Mix crushed crackers and melted butter. Top casserole with remaining cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, cracker mixture, and reserved bacon.
  • Bake:
  • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10–15 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Make Ahead:
Assemble a day ahead and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
Freezing Tips:
Freeze before baking (without topping). Thaw in fridge overnight, then add topping and bake.
Add-Ins:
  • Veggies: Broccoli, bell pepper, mushrooms
  • Spices: Smoked paprika, mustard powder
  • Cheese swaps: Gruyère, feta, Monterey Jack
Popular Variations:
  • Southwest Fiesta: Add black beans, corn, taco seasoning
  • Buffalo Chicken: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese
  • Broccoli Cheddar: Add steamed broccoli, mustard powder
  • Holiday Special: Add dried cranberries, apples, pecans

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 27gFat: 38gSodium: 860mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
Keyword Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
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