Easy Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Cozy Family Favorite

Tucking into a hearty chicken casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Warm aromas fill the kitchen with nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals.

Family favorites often start with simple ingredients and love.

Creamy textures and rich flavors combine perfectly in this classic dish.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you pour passion into cooking.

Seasoned home cooks and kitchen newcomers can master this delightful recipe with ease.

Grab your apron and let’s create something deliciously memorable together!

Why Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Feels So Rich

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine ingredients in one bowl, mix, and bake for a stress-free meal that saves precious kitchen time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this casserole wins over both kids and adults with its irresistible flavors.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Uses common ingredients like chicken, spaghetti, and cheese that most home cooks already have on hand, making it a convenient go-to dinner option.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need a satisfying dish that feeds a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

What Goes Into Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: The star protein that provides a hearty and tender foundation for the casserole.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy texture to enhance the overall richness of the dish.

• Spaghetti: Serves as the carbohydrate component that gives substance and comfort to the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a smooth and luxurious base that helps blend all ingredients together.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a subtle tanginess and helps keep the casserole moist.
• Mayonnaise: Provides additional creaminess and helps bind the ingredients.

• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp and melty layer that creates a golden, crispy crust.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty dimension to the cheese topping.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: These spices work together to enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh and bright finishing touch to the completed dish.

Cooking Million Dollar Chicken Casserole The Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F, creating the perfect cozy cooking environment for this mouthwatering casserole.

Step 2: Mix Chicken Base

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked spaghetti
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese
• Mayonnaise

Blend everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Add Cheese Magic

• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Keep the texture light and fluffy while mixing.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken and spaghetti mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 6: Create Cheesy Topping

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

over the top of the casserole. This will create a gorgeous golden crust that’s irresistibly delicious.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns bubbly and transforms into a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. Dive into this creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s guaranteed to make taste buds dance with joy!

Pro-Level Tips For Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Prep Ahead Perfectly: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready to serve.
• Boost Protein Power: Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for extra protein and a tangier flavor profile.
• Cut Carb Counts: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
• Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes wonderfully – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months before thawing and reheating.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat that transforms the classic comfort dish.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Variations You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Swap: Replace regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Adaptation: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar and Parmesan, and swap dairy-based ingredients with coconut cream and plant-based mayonnaise.
• Protein-Packed Turkey Transformation: Replace chicken with shredded turkey breast for a leaner protein option that maintains the casserole's creamy texture.

Tasty Sides With Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to cut through the casserole's rich, creamy texture and complement its cheesy flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light, tangy green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy ingredients.
• Match with Buttery Garlic Bread: Toast crusty bread with garlic butter to provide a crunchy side that absorbs the casserole's delicious sauce and adds textural contrast.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple side of roasted broccoli, carrots, and zucchini with olive oil and herbs to add nutrition and freshness to the meal.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then uncover for last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese topping.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole FAQ Guide

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and follow the recipe as normal.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor. It’s a great way to get them to eat chicken and pasta.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat dairy products, add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and opt for whole wheat spaghetti to boost nutrition.

Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken casserole delights families with comforting layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and golden potato topping. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that warms souls and brings smiles around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken

Dairy Products:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Pasta and Other Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti, cooked and drained
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Combine shredded chicken, cooked spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
3. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly throughout.
4. Gently incorporate half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the creamy mixture, maintaining a light texture.
5. Transfer the chicken and pasta blend into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
6. Liberally sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a potential crispy golden crust during baking.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden-brown color with bubbling edges.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and intensifies flavors.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a vibrant touch and fresh herbal note to the rich, creamy casserole.

Notes

• Swap spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly or low-carb version.
• Reduce dairy by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and cottage cheese for a lighter alternative.
• Boost protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or mixing in diced rotisserie chicken for more flavor complexity.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole the night before and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg