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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole - Creamy, Cozy, 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
  

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie works great)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, but delicious)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Nonstick spray, for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Blend the creamy base: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and mayonnaise until smooth. A hand mixer makes this quick, but a sturdy whisk works too.
  3. Season it up: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Fold in the shredded cheddar.
  4. Add the chicken: Gently fold the chicken into the creamy mixture until everything is evenly coated. Mix in bacon and herbs if you’re using them.
  5. Spread in the dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
  7. Top and bake: Sprinkle the buttery crumbs over the casserole. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets slightly. Garnish with extra herbs, if you like.