Are you craving a rich and satisfying meal that makes you feel like a million bucks? Look no further than our million dollar chicken casserole without cottage cheese recipe!
This dish is a guaranteed hit, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a variety of other scrumptious ingredients. It’s simple, yet incredibly delicious.
Make it as a main course for dinner or bring it to potlucks and other gatherings for an exceptional dish that everyone will love. It’s guaranteed to impress!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Without Cottage Cheese
This casserole features all the hearty and savory ingredients that make for a truly memorable dish.
Each mouthful is a delectable combination of juicy chicken, dreamy layers of cheese, and a creamy base. The addition of green onions and crispy bacon provides a welcomed burst of freshness and crunch to each bite.
What’s even better is that this casserole does not require any cottage cheese, making it an easy and accessible recipe for anyone to enjoy.
It’s certainly a worthy dish of the name “million dollar chicken casserole!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups shredded or diced chicken
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1 tablespoon chicken base
- 6 green onions (diced)
- 8 oz colby jack cheese
- 1/4 cup crispy crumbled bacon (or more)
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Without Cottage Cheese
Prepare this dish using the following steps:
- Preparation. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chicken base, and half of the green onions. Stir until well mixed.
- Layer in the dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the colby jack cheese, remaining green onions, and bacon.
- Bake and serve. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Serve warm.
Enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering dish!
Tips for the Best Casserole
Here are a few tips to make this casserole even better:
- Use rotisserie chicken. It’s a time-saver and adds extra flavor.
- Add your favorite vegetables. For some added nutrition, consider throwing in some chopped broccoli or bell peppers.
- Try different cheeses. While colby jack cheese works perfectly, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste.
Variations
You can make a few interesting variations of this casserole:
- Make it spicy. Add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Make it vegetarian. Omit the chicken and add more veggies, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to make a delicious vegetarian version.
- Make it low-carb. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a low-carb alternative and skip adding the bacon for a healthier low-carb option.
What to Serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but you can still serve it with some light sides for a wholesome meal. Here are a few ideas:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast
For a potluck or buffet, you can pair this casserole with other dishes like a cheesy potato casserole, baked beans, or a creamy coleslaw.
Storage Tips
The leftovers of this casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating and place it in an airtight container.
To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If it looks a bit dry, cover it with foil to prevent further browning.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for 2-3 months in the freezer.
To thaw and reheat the frozen casserole, place it in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the regular reheating instructions.
Remember to never re-freeze a thawed casserole; it’s best to consume it within 2 days after thawing for safety reasons.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole without Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded or diced chicken
- 6 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1 tbsp chicken base
- 6 green onions diced
- 8 oz colby jack cheese
- 1/4 cup crispy crumbled bacon (or more)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, chicken base, and half of the green onions. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the colby jack cheese, remaining green onions, and bacon on top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Serve the million dollar chicken casserole warm and enjoy!