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- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese These three main ingredients form the base of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Cooked chicken adds protein and flavor. Cream of chicken soup gives it a rich, creamy texture. Cheddar cheese brings a cheesy, savory taste that everyone loves. - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and black pepper to taste You can add frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition and color. Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme boost the flavor. Season with salt and pepper to match your taste. - 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) - 2 tablespoons melted butter The topping is key for a crunchy finish. Crush buttery crackers and mix them with melted butter. This mix creates a golden-brown layer that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole underneath. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. 2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes serving easier. 1. In a big bowl, mix together 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of cooked white rice. 2. Add 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of sour cream. 3. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. 4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. 5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well until combined. 1. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. 2. Mix until the crackers are coated. This topping adds a nice crunch. 3. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the casserole evenly. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a bubbly center and a golden topping. 5. Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. - Ensuring the casserole is creamy To keep your casserole creamy, use sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Mix them well with shredded chicken, rice, and cheese. This combo adds moisture and flavor. Bake it until it's hot and bubbly to lock in that creaminess. - Achieving the perfect topping crunch Use crushed buttery crackers for a crunchy topping. Mix them with melted butter before you sprinkle them on top. This ensures each bite has that delightful crunch. Bake until golden brown for the best texture. - Best sides to pair Serve the casserole with a light side salad. A crisp green salad balances the creamy dish. You can also add steamed veggies for extra color and nutrients. They will complement the flavors nicely. - Presentation ideas Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley for a pop of color. A sprinkle of herbs makes it look fancy. Serve it in the baking dish for a rustic touch. This keeps things simple and easy. - How to prep in advance You can mix all the casserole ingredients a day before. Store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to eat. This saves time on busy days. - Storing leftovers Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will last in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Enjoy the flavors again without much fuss. {{image_4}} You can change the veggies in this dish easily. Instead of frozen mixed vegetables, try fresh broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach. Each swap adds a unique taste and color. For protein, you can use turkey or even tofu. If you like seafood, cooked shrimp works well too. Each choice gives a new flavor twist. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free crackers for the topping. You can also use gluten-free soup. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. For a lower-calorie dish, consider using low-fat sour cream and cheese. You can also cut back on the crackers or skip them. This helps lighten the meal without losing flavor. Adding herbs and spices can lift the taste even more. Try mixing in fresh parsley, basil, or oregano. These herbs bring a fresh vibe to your casserole. You can also change the cheese. Instead of cheddar, use mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor and texture. To store your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, let it cool first. Once cool, cover it with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh. You can also use an airtight container for better storage. In the fridge, it lasts about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat it before serving. You can freeze this casserole too! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This prevents freezer burn. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot all the way through. Leftovers are great! You can serve them as is, or get creative. Try adding the casserole to a wrap with fresh greens. You can also make a savory chicken quesadilla using the leftovers. Another fun idea is to mix it into a soup for a hearty meal. Enjoy your tasty creations! To make a vegetarian version, you can swap out the cooked chicken. Use 3 cups of cooked mushrooms or chopped cauliflower instead. These add nice texture and flavor. You can also use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup. Here are the ingredients to substitute: - 3 cups cooked mushrooms or chopped cauliflower (instead of chicken) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (instead of cream of chicken soup) - 1 cup cooked white rice (keep this) - 1 cup sour cream (keep this) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (keep this) - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) (keep this) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder (keep this) - 1 teaspoon onion powder (keep this) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme (keep this) - Salt and black pepper to taste (keep this) - 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) (keep this) - 2 tablespoons melted butter (keep this) This gives you a rich and creamy casserole without meat. Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. The chicken is already cooked and seasoned. Just shred it and add it to your mix. Here are the benefits of using rotisserie chicken: - Quick and easy: No cooking required. - Flavorful: Already seasoned, adding depth to your dish. - Tender: Provides a nice texture in the casserole. - Saves time: Reduces prep and cooking time. To complement your casserole, serve it with fresh sides. A crisp green salad is a great option. It adds crunch and lightness. You can also try these side dishes: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up creamy sauce. - Steamed broccoli: Adds color and nutrients. - Mashed potatoes: Great for a hearty meal. - Roasted vegetables: Brings out natural sweetness. These sides balance the richness of the casserole and make your meal complete. You learned how to make the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. We covered the main ingredients, tips, and variations. You can easily change it to fit your taste and needs. Don't forget to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. This dish is not only easy but also perfect for sharing. You can impress your friends and family with your skills. Try different ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy every bite!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, creamy ingredients, cheddar cheese, and a crunchy topping, this dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With just 15 minutes of prep and a baking time of 25-30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners with this tasty casserole!
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Ingredients
  

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup cooked white rice

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking when your casserole is assembled.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, gently mix together the shredded cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen mixed vegetables until all ingredients are well incorporated.

      Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir the mixture again, ensuring all spices are evenly distributed.

        Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little oil, then transfer the chicken mixture into it, spreading it out evenly across the dish.

          In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crackers are fully coated. This will create a rich, crunchy topping for the casserole.

            Carefully sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken casserole, ensuring it's evenly distributed for maximum crunch.

              Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the mixture is hot and bubbly, and the topping has achieved a delightful golden-brown color.

                Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This resting period will make it easier to serve.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve this hearty casserole warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant contrast. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal!