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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole - Creamy, Cozy, and Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (about 4 cups; rotisserie works great)
  • Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
  • Sour cream (1 cup)
  • Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces)
  • Shredded cheese (2 cups; cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Lemon juice (1 tablespoon; optional but brightens the sauce)
  • Ritz crackers or butter crackers (about 2 cups, crushed)
  • Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, melted)
  • Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish; optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Make the creamy base. In a large bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and condensed cream of chicken soup until smooth.
  3. Season it well. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. You want it flavorful now, before adding chicken.
  4. Add the chicken and cheese. Fold in the shredded chicken and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese until evenly coated.
  5. Assemble the casserole. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top.
  6. Make the crunchy topping. In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly moistened. Scatter over the casserole in an even layer.
  7. Bake. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.
  8. Rest and garnish. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so it sets. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if using.
  9. Serve. Spoon onto plates and enjoy with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.