#Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
##Introduction
Have you ever had a recipe that turns your regular weeknight dinner into something incredibly special? Well, consider yourself introduced to the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! Tasting like a million bucks but surprisingly straightforward to make, this dish will surely become a hit in your household!
##Why Make This Recipe
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is not only ridiculously tasty, but it’s the epitome of comfort food. With melty cheese, shredded chicken, and a crunch from classic Ritz crackers, it’ll make your taste buds think they’ve hit the lottery. Plus, it serves six people, is ready in a gourmet 45 minutes, and has an easy prep time of 10 minutes. Remarkable, wouldn’t you agree?
##How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
##Ingredients
– 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp pepper
– 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
– 1/4 cup melted butter
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
##Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Prepare your 9×13 inch baking dish by giving it a light greasing.
2. Mix together shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheeses, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Once your mixture is well-combined, evenly pour it into the greased baking dish.
4. In a small separate bowl, combine your crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Now, sprinkle this delightful crunch over your chicken mixture.
5. Bake your casserole in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until hot and bubbling, with a golden-brown cracker top.
6. Allow your casserole a brief cool down before garnishing with chopped parsley if desired.
##How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Accompany the million-dollar chicken casserole with a side of refreshing leafy salad or some steamed vegetables for a nutritiously balanced meal. Rest assured your diners will be requesting seconds!
##How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Once cooled, you can store the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure not to leave it out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
##Tips to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
– Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding your chicken.
– Ensure you mix the ingredients well so that the flavors blend perfectly.
– The casserole is best when served hot so all that cheese stays nice and melty.
##Variation
If you’d prefer a slightly healthier casserole, you could replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein-rich twist.
##FAQs
Q1: Can I use any other meat instead of chicken?
Yes, cooked and shredded turkey can make a good substitute for chicken in this recipe.
Q2: What if I’m lactose-intolerant?
You can opt for dairy-free replacements for cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream.
Q3: Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!