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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a quick and flavorful dish that combines convenience with taste, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Chicken Mixture:
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 4 ounce can chopped green chilies drained
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
Pasta & Cheese:
  • 8 ounces pasta cooked al dente (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, green chilies, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Add the cooked pasta and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
  6. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes even softer in the casserole, resulting in a mushy texture. Experiment with cheese combinations. Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little pepper jack can add a twist. For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last minute or two of baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning. Add chopped vegetables! Small broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, or even canned corn seamlessly mix into the casserole, boosting its nutritional value without sacrificing its taste. Also, leftover rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, making prep even faster. Season generously with salt and pepper at each stage. Taste and adjust as needed. Remember, a well-seasoned dish is a happy dish. This casserole is also the perfect make-ahead dish, allowing you to prep it earlier in the day, or even the night before, baking it fresh when you're ready to eat.