This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that the whole family will adore.
Packed with tender chicken, protein-rich cottage cheese, and wholesome peas, it’s a balanced comfort meal.
Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it combines savory flavors with a crunchy topping for a wholesome, nourishing experience.
Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- 9×11-inch casserole dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
Casserole Base:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 5 cups cooked rotisserie chicken cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Topping:
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers about 30, crushed
- 4 tbsp butter melted
Garnish:
- ¼ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while you assemble the casserole. Lightly grease a 9×11-inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Set the dish aside while you prepare the creamy filling.
- Combine Creamy Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, 10.5 oz of cream of chicken soup, and 8 oz of softened, cubed cream cheese. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. This will create a rich, velvety base that coats every piece of chicken and vegetable.
- Season the Mixture: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper to the creamy base. Stir or mix gently until the seasonings are evenly incorporated. Taste carefully (you can microwave a small spoonful for a quick test) and adjust seasoning if necessary to match your preferred level of flavor.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Fold in 5 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces, and 1 cup of thawed frozen peas. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all pieces in the creamy mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed and the peas are spread throughout, so each serving has a balance of protein and veggies.
- Spread Mixture into Casserole Dish: Transfer the entire creamy chicken mixture into the prepared 9×11-inch casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure the surface is level. Press lightly so the mixture holds together but don’t compress it too much; this helps the casserole stay fluffy and creamy while baking.
- Add Shredded Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface, reaching the edges, so every bite has a cheesy layer. This layer will melt into a gooey, golden blanket during baking.
- Prepare Crunchy Cracker Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 sleeve of crushed buttery round crackers (about 30 crackers) with 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are coated with butter, which will help them crisp beautifully in the oven.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the cheese layer. Try to cover the entire surface with a thin, uniform layer to ensure every bite has a crunchy, golden topping.Avoid piling too high; a single layer bakes more evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the topping is golden brown, and the casserole is heated through. Check around the 30-minute mark; if the topping browns too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with foil.
- Garnish Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with ¼ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and 2 sliced green onions. The garnish adds color, flavor, and texture, enhancing the overall presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the casserole into generous portions and serve warm. Each bite combines creamy chicken, tender peas, gooey cheese, and a crispy, buttery topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, this casserole is comforting, protein-rich, and deliciously satisfying.
Notes
- For best results, use fully cooked rotisserie chicken for flavor and convenience, or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them before mixing.
- You can swap peas for other vegetables like diced carrots, broccoli, or green beans to vary the flavor and nutrition.
- The casserole can easily be halved or doubled depending on your family size. Adjust baking time slightly if changing the portion size.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Crushed crackers can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, extra-crispy topping.
Chef’s Secrets for Ultimate Flavor
The secret to a creamy, luscious casserole lies in properly mixing the base ingredients.
Be sure to soften your cream cheese and thoroughly blend it with the cottage cheese, sour cream, and soup.
This ensures a silky texture that coats the chicken evenly.
Another tip is to evenly distribute the seasoning and vegetables so every bite is flavorful.
Lastly, the buttery cracker topping should be thin and uniform—this creates a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Serving Suggestions for Best Experience
Serve this casserole warm straight from the oven with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
For extra flair, drizzle a little hot sauce or sprinkle paprika over the topping before serving.
It also pairs well with garlic bread or a light, fresh fruit salad to offset the richness.
For meal prep, this casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
The topping may soften slightly; for extra crunch, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes before serving.
For longer storage, this casserole freezes well—wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use cooked chicken other than rotisserie?
Absolutely! Grilled, baked, or poached chicken works perfectly. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Baking time may need a few extra minutes if starting from cold.
3. Can I substitute the peas with other vegetables?
Definitely. Broccoli, diced carrots, or green beans are great alternatives. Frozen vegetables should be thawed slightly to avoid excess moisture.
4. Can I make this casserole lower in fat or calories?
Yes. You can use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese. Skim milk or Greek yogurt can replace part of the creaminess without sacrificing texture.
5. How do I keep the topping crispy after baking?
For extra crunch, sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture on the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking, or briefly broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. This prevents sogginess from the creamy filling.
