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To make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 cup cream of chicken soup (homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild) - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, and carrots) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) - 2 tablespoons melted butter You can swap some ingredients for different flavors or dietary needs. Here are some ideas: - Chicken: Use turkey or rotisserie chicken. - Rice: Quinoa or cauliflower rice works well. - Cream of Chicken Soup: Try a homemade version or use cream of mushroom. - Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can substitute for a tangy twist. - Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella or pepper jack can add a unique taste. - Mixed Vegetables: Fresh veggies like bell peppers or broccoli are tasty options. - Crackers: Use gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free dish. The right seasonings make this casserole shine. Here’s what to use: - Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a savory note. - Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile. - Smoked Paprika: Provides a warm, smoky taste. - Salt and Pepper: Season to your liking for balance. Feel free to adjust these seasonings based on your taste. Enjoy mixing and matching! First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven warms up, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly. This helps prevent sticking. In a big bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of cooked rice. Add 1 cup of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of sour cream. Mix these until they blend well and look creamy. Then, toss in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste! Stir well until everything is mixed evenly. Pour the creamy mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out flat so it cooks evenly. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of crushed buttery crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss gently until the crumbs are moistened. Now, sprinkle this mixture over the chicken filling. This gives a tasty crunch on top. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden top. After baking, take the casserole out and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This wait helps the flavors blend. Serve it warm right from the dish. For a fresh touch, add some chopped parsley or green onions on top before you dig in. Enjoy every bite! To make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole super creamy, use fresh ingredients. I like to mix homemade cream of chicken soup with sour cream. This blend gives a rich texture. If you use store-bought soup, choose a brand with less sodium. It helps keep the flavor fresh. Always combine the soup and sour cream first. This way, you avoid lumps in your filling. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. A crunchy topping is key for this dish. I recommend using buttery crackers like Ritz. For the best crunch, crush them just before you use them. Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. This adds flavor and ensures they crisp up nicely. Spread the topping evenly over the casserole. Make sure to cover all the filling. This way, every bite has that delightful crunch. To save time, prep ahead! You can cook the chicken and rice the day before. Store them in the fridge. Also, chop any veggies and measure out your ingredients in advance. When you're ready to cook, just mix everything in one bowl. This makes the cooking process quick and easy. If you want, you can even assemble the casserole a few hours ahead. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. {{image_4}} You can switch out the chicken for turkey. It tastes great and makes the dish lighter. If you want a vegetarian version, use cooked lentils or chickpeas. Both options pack in protein and flavor. You can also try tofu for a different twist. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned. Feel free to mix in different veggies. You can use broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans. These add color and crunch. Spinach or kale can also work well. Frozen or fresh, both options are perfect. Just chop them small for even cooking. Cheese is key to a tasty casserole. While cheddar is classic, you can explore other types. Try mozzarella for a stretchier texture. Pepper jack adds a fun kick with its spice. For a rich taste, use gouda or fontina. Mixing cheeses can create a unique flavor profile. Just remember to keep some for the topping! Store your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in an airtight container. Let the casserole cool down first. Once cooled, cover it tightly. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. For best taste, try to eat it within two days. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you want a crunchy top again, remove the foil for the last five minutes. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Heat in a microwave-safe dish for about 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warmth. If you want to save some casserole for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cut it into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above, and enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients in the baking dish, then cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge and let it sit for 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. Then, bake it as normal. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is great on its own, but some sides really enhance the meal. Here are a few ideas: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Garlic bread for a nice crunch - Mashed potatoes for extra comfort Yes, you can make some easy swaps. Use low-fat sour cream and cream of chicken soup. You can also add more veggies like spinach or kale. For a lighter version, replace the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken. This keeps the flavor and cuts down on fat. In this blog post, we covered all you need to know to make a delicious chicken casserole. We explored the key ingredients and helpful substitutes. You learned how to prepare, mix, and bake your dish step by step. I shared tips for the best texture and shortcuts for busy cooks. Plus, the variations allow you to customize your meal. Don't forget proper storage to enjoy leftovers later. With these insights, you're ready to create a tasty, comforting dish everyone will love. Enjoy every bite of your cooking journey!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Discover the deliciousness of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for any dinner table! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, hearty rice, savory cream of chicken soup, and a crunchy cracker topping for an irresistible meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleaser. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

1 cup cream of chicken soup (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, based on preference)

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (a blend of peas, corn, and carrots)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz or similar)

2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and creamy.

      Next, add in the frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything until you have a uniformly blended filling.

        Carefully pour this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure an even cook.

          In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Toss gently until the cracker crumbs are just moistened—this will add a delightful crunch to your casserole.

            Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the top of the chicken filling in the baking dish, ensuring complete coverage for that crunchy topping.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is a beautiful golden brown.

                Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burning your mouth.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a homestyle feel. For a touch of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions on top before serving. Enjoy!