Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
A delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy ingredients, and a crispy topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 ounces whipped cream cheese
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup cottage cheese
- 10.5 ounces can of condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Scallions (optional garnish)
Instructions
Make the Shredded Chicken
- Season the chicken thighs with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until the onion is soft.
- Add the chicken and chicken broth to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (about 20 minutes).
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Assemble and Bake
- In a large bowl, mix the whipped cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and the remaining seasonings (1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano).
- Stir in the shredded chicken until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices or sauces before cooking. You can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option. Feel free to add in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and cottage cheese and whole-grain crackers for the topping to boost the fiber content.