Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish featuring shredded chicken, rice, and a rich blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust, this casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked rice
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and cooked rice. Stir until all components are well incorporated into a creamy mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture uniformly over the top of the casserole to create a golden, crunchy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, which helps the flavors to settle and portions to set.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a handful of cooked bacon bits to the mixture or sprinkle paprika on top before baking.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready, perfect for meal prep.
- To make a lower-carb version, substitute cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for the traditional rice.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers.
