Let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! This creamy, cheesy casserole is not just easy to prepare, but it’s also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made it for a potluck; everyone raved about it, and I couldn’t believe how simple it was! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich and comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So, if you’re looking for a deliciously easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, you’ve got to try this recipe!
Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is like setting the stage for a beautiful performance! You’ll need 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option if you’re short on time. Next, grab 1 cup of sour cream for that creamy richness, and 1 cup of cream of chicken soup to add depth. Don’t forget 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese—make it generously packed for extra cheesiness! Toss in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables; they’re colorful and nutritious. You’ll also need 1 cup of cooked rice, ½ cup of breadcrumbs for that crispy topping, and a tablespoon of olive oil to help those crumbs brown beautifully. Finish off with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly magical!
How to Prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Getting this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ready is a breeze! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a large bowl and mix together your shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add in the frozen mixed vegetables and cooked rice, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir everything until it’s well combined—don’t worry if it looks a little messy; that’s part of the charm!
Next, transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. In a separate small bowl, mix the breadcrumb with olive oil until it’s well-coated, then sprinkle it over the top of the casserole. This will create that sought-after crispy layer. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me, the aromas will have everyone gathering around!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until creamy.
- Add 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables and 1 cup of cooked rice to the bowl. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the breadcrumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Keep an eye on it—everyone loves that crispy topping, but we don’t want it to burn!
- Once it’s done, let it sit for a few minutes to cool and set. This will make serving easier and prevent any scalding surprises!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience you won’t forget! Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and cheesy, bringing comfort food to a whole new level.
- Versatile—use whatever veggies you have on hand!
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Kid-friendly, making it a hit with the whole family.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, if you can, allow your cooked chicken to cool before shredding. This will help keep it tender. For a creamier texture, try mixing in a splash of milk or extra sour cream. If you want to add a little zing, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce! Don’t forget to keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes; every oven is different, so it might need a few extra minutes. And remember, letting it sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy the magic of this dish!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, knowing what’s in it can be just as important as how delicious it tastes! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, this dish is worth every bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common ones:
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Just cook and shred your chicken first, then mix it in. It’ll still be delicious!
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken or even cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor twist!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it the night before and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is gluten-free!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just pack it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It should keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and cheesy chicken casserole that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and olive oil, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, easy casserole, creamy casserole