Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a buttery cornflake crust for extra crunch. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and delivers rich, savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using cooking spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Mix Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Stir thoroughly until all components are well blended into a creamy mixture.
- Season the Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the chicken and rice base.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the prepared chicken and rice mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a smooth surface.
- Prepare Topping (Optional): If using, combine the crushed cornflakes with melted butter in a small bowl until the cornflakes are well coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the assembled casserole for a crunchy, golden finish. Skip this step if you prefer a lighter casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly and thoroughly heated through.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and making it easier to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley to add color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding and cooking.
- Rice can be substituted with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture or dietary preference.
- The cornflake topping is optional but adds a lovely crunch; omit for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the cream of chicken soup and cornflakes are gluten-free products.
