- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole dish.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions (if using). Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crackers are well coated with the butter.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or poached chicken breasts for this recipe. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded or cubed before adding it to the casserole.
- Cheese: For a different flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Swiss.
- Topping: For a crispier topping, you can bake the casserole uncovered for the entire time. If you prefer a softer topping, cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes.
Variations:
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to the chicken mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- This casserole is also great with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing:
- This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleaser with its rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish!