Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite comfort food: the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! This dish is the epitome of creamy, cheesy goodness and has become a staple in my family for cozy weeknight dinners. I remember the first time I made it; my kids couldn’t get enough! The way the melted cheddar glistens on top, and the aroma fills the house while it bakes? Wow! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. What I love most is how versatile it is—easy to whip up with leftover chicken and whatever veggies you have on hand. Trust me, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds!

Ingredients List

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: Make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded before you start mixing! It makes the process so much smoother.)

How to Prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want your casserole to bake evenly and get that lovely golden top!
While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Mix these together until it’s all nicely blended. I like to use a spatula for this; it makes everything come together smoothly!
Next, add in the broccoli florets, cooked rice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all up until every ingredient is coated in that creamy goodness.
Now, transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish—make sure it’s evenly spread out, so every bite gets that cheesy goodness!
Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. It’s the crown of your casserole! Bake it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until it’s bubbling and the cheese is beautifully melted.

Keep an eye on it as it bakes; you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like heaven! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy every creamy bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. You’ll get about 320 calories, with 15g of fat and 24g of protein, which is pretty great for a comforting dish! It also has around 28g of carbs and 2g of fiber. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, it’s a delicious way to fuel your family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
Deliciously creamy and cheesy—who can resist that?
Family-friendly, making it a hit with kids and adults alike!
Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a comforting meal!
Leftover-friendly; it gets even better the next day!

Trust me, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is bound to become a beloved dish in your home, just like it is in mine!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option. It saves you time and adds a delicious depth of flavor. Next, don’t skip the greasing step on your baking dish; it helps prevent sticking and ensures easy serving. Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that bubbly, golden cheese around the 30-minute mark. Lastly, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking—it’ll set up nicely and make serving easier. You’ve got this!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! For a colorful twist, try adding bell peppers, spinach, or even some peas for a pop of sweetness. You can also experiment with spices—maybe a sprinkle of paprika or even some taco seasoning for a zesty kick! Cheese lovers can mix it up by using pepper jack for a little heat or mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy texture. And if you want to make it even heartier, throw in some cooked bacon or swap the rice for quinoa. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! To store your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly. You could also microwave individual portions for a quick meal—just be sure to cover them to keep that creamy texture intact. Enjoy every last bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding. You can even use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries! You can substitute it with homemade cream of chicken sauce or even use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.

Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you love or have on hand, like peas, carrots, or green beans. Just make sure they’re cooked, so they blend well into the casserole.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just remember to reheat thoroughly before enjoying again!

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time on busy days!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: 7 Comforting Reasons to Try

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole that’s a family favorite.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk.
Add broccoli, rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Notes

You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or carrots.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked later.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Spread the love