Introduction
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, savory bacon, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings into a satisfying casserole. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Follow this detailed guide to make this mouthwatering casserole from scratch, complete with variations, serving suggestions, and tips for achieving perfect results.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
-4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
-1 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente
-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
-1 cup sour cream
-1 cup mayonnaise
-1 cup chicken broth
-1 tablespoon garlic powder
-1 tablespoon onion powder
-1 teaspoon dried parsley
-Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
-1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
-1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
-1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
-1 tablespoon dried parsley
Equipment Needed
-Large mixing bowl
-9x13-inch baking dish
-Saucepan
-Cooking spray
-Spatula
-Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Casserole
1-Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2-Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cooked penne pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3-Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 2: Prepare the Topping
1-Mix Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and dried parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated evenly with the butter and parsley.
2-Sprinkle Over Casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 3: Bake
1-Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
2-Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
-Cook Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the casserole.
-Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it into the casserole. This imparts a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
-Cheese: Use a combination of your favorite cheeses for depth of flavor. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan work well together.
-Creamy Mixture: The combination of sour cream, mayonnaise, and chicken broth creates a creamy base that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
-Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add a crispy texture to the topping. Ensure they are evenly coated with melted butter for golden-brown perfection.
Variations
-Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and bacon. Add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
-Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture for a spicy kick.
-Italian Style: Substitute penne pasta with rotini or fusilli pasta. Add Italian seasoning and diced tomatoes to the mixture for an Italian-inspired flavor.
-Tex-Mex Twist: Use shredded Mexican cheese blend, add diced green chilies, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex flair.
Nutritional Information
-Protein: Chicken and bacon provide a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
-Calcium: Cheese contributes to your daily calcium intake, important for bone health.
-Carbohydrates: Pasta and breadcrumbs provide energy, essential for daily activities.
-Fats: Sour cream, mayonnaise, and butter add richness and flavor to the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
-Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal.
-Garlic Bread: Accompany with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
-Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables such as broccoli or carrots for added nutrition and color.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together comforting flavors in a simple yet delicious way. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to impress with its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and hearty ingredients. Follow this recipe to create a memorable meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with your loved ones.
Additional Tips
-Storage: Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
-Freezing Tip: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking it according to the instructions.
-Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping just before baking for fresh, crispy texture.
Creative Twists
-Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole: Add ranch seasoning mix to the creamy mixture. Top with additional crispy bacon and fresh chopped chives before serving.
-Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Substitute shredded chicken with diced cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Add crumbled blue cheese to the creamy mixture and top with celery and carrot sticks.
-Mushroom Swiss Chicken Casserole: Use Swiss cheese and sautéed mushrooms in the creamy mixture. Top with buttered breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
Creating Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rewarding experience that results in a comforting and delicious meal. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit your taste preferences. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this hearty casserole with family and friends, and explore different variations to make it your own signature dish.
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