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When I need something comforting fast, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole totally comes through. The chicken's creamy, melty cheeses bubble up underneath a crisp, buttery cracker layer—the kind of thing that warms you up from the inside out. Whenever I'm after big flavor with little effort on a busy night, this dish is my happy place.
This all came together for me on a cold evening with a leftover rotisserie chicken that needed using up. Everybody devoured it and now I double the batch if friends come by.
Savory Ingredients
- Chopped chives: Snip up some fresh bright green chives to sprinkle on just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste and make all those other flavors shine. Give it a taste test before baking.
- Bacon: Use center-cut strips if you can and bake them for that perfect crisp crunch and smoky flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Real butter helps get the topping super crisp and golden. Don’t skip it.
- Ritz crackers: Crush these up fresh so you get nice, big crunchy bits for the topping.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Aim for some whole milk mozz for that epic cheese pull in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Grate it fresh from a block for sharpness and gooey texture.
- Mayonnaise: Stick with classic real mayo for the creamiest, richest bite.
- Sour cream: Go for the full-fat version for best taste. Adds a little extra tang.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Use the familiar can for that cozy creamy base—grab the low-salt if you like.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie works great. Dice or shred it up for more texture and juiciness.
Easy Step Guide
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Grab your chopped chives and that extra bacon and scatter them over the baked casserole. Let it cool just a few minutes so the cheese sets up and scoops are easy.
- Crisp Up the Bacon:
- Take your saved bacon strips and bake at 375F for about twenty minutes or until they're golden and crunchy. Crumble after they've cooled for topping.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the uncovered dish into the oven and let it bake for about twenty-five to thirty minutes until the top is crackly and brown.
- Top With Crackers:
- Sprinkle that buttery cracker mixture on top of the chicken filling, covering every edge so every piece gets some crunch.
- Mix Up the Topping:
- Stir those crushed Ritz crackers together with melted butter so every crumb is coated and ready to brown in the oven.
- Fill Your Pan:
- Spoon the chicken mixture into your greased pan, spreading it right into the corners so every bite stays juicy.
- Combine the Good Stuff:
- In a big bowl, toss together the chicken, cream soup, both cheeses, mayo, sour cream, almost all the bacon, salt, and pepper until smooth and blended.
- Get Ready:
- Flip your oven on to 350F. Coat a big 9x13 baking dish with some butter or spray so nothing sticks.
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I’m all about that irresistible cracker crumble on top. My grandma always handed me the cracker smashing duty as a kid, and I still think it’s the best part. There’s just nothing like grabbing a crispy corner piece fresh from the oven.
Keeping It Fresh
Once the dish has cooled down, pop leftovers in the fridge covered up tight for up to four days. Reheating in the oven will bring the crunch back. You can also freeze slices wrapped in foil and grab them for a quick lunch whenever you need.
Swaps and Substitutions
Got extra turkey instead of chicken? Works just as well. Lighten it up with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Don’t have Ritz? Crushed panko or cornflakes will work in the topping too.
How to Serve
This goes perfectly with a super simple green salad drizzled in bright lemon. Or heat up some green beans on the side. If you’re into spice, a hit of hot sauce on top makes it extra warming.
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Fun Food Heritage
Dishes like this are comfort food classics in the US, inspired by cozy bakes and those old-school potluck favorites. It gets called 'million dollar' because it’s so over-the-top creamy, cheesy, and rich with all that bacon mixed in. This kind of cheesy bake has been filling dinner tables for years, always making folks feel at home.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Which kind of chicken should I use?
Grab some cooked chicken—shredded or chopped. Thigh or breast meat both turn out nice and juicy. Rotisserie saves you time, too.
- → Could I use other cheeses?
Sure thing! Mix it up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even your favorites if you're out of cheddar and mozzarella.
- → How do you keep the topping crisp?
Before baking, toss crushed Ritz crackers with butter, then sprinkle that mix over the top. It goes golden and crunchy.
- → Can I make this in advance?
You bet. Build it, keep it covered in the fridge for a day, but wait to add crackers and butter until just before you bake.
- → How should I reheat leftovers?
Pop a piece in the oven or microwave until hot. Oven keeps it crisp, but either way works.
- → What should I serve on the side?
Toss together a green salad, roast some veggies, or offer up warm bread to round out the meal.