Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
A comforting chicken casserole with creamy textures and a crunchy topping, perfect for gatherings and cozy meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced Rotisserie chicken works beautifully; use leftover roast chicken for extra depth.
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup Or use cream of mushroom for an earthier flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise For richness — swap for Greek yogurt for tang and fewer calories.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Mild cheddar melts beautifully; try sharp cheddar for extra bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a savory umami lift.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed Or mixed vegetables of your choice.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Or use 1 fresh minced garlic clove for a brighter flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
- 2 cups crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs Panko gives extra crunch; crushed Ritz crackers provide buttery sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter For mixing into the crumb topping.
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, condensed soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, thawed peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or panko with the melted butter until the crumbs glisten. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the casserole.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- For an extra-toasty finish, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
This casserole can easily feed a crowd and is great for potlucks. For variations, consider adding Dijon mustard, bacon, or different vegetables.