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

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 3 to 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream (regular or light)
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional but adds richness)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens and balances the richness)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (to loosen the sauce if needed)
  • 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Nonstick spray or butter for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
  2. Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and mayonnaise until smooth. If the cream cheese is too firm, microwave it for 15–20 seconds to soften.
  3. Season it up: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. If the mixture is very thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth to loosen.
  4. Add chicken and cheese: Fold in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheese until evenly coated.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  6. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle over the casserole in an even layer.
  7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. If you like, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness.