Discover the Decadent Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: An Indulgent Culinary Adventure

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

A million-dollar chicken casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. It’s a popular dish for potlucks and family gatherings because it’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The casserole gets its name from the fact that it’s so delicious, it’s worth a million dollars!

To make a million-dollar chicken casserole, you will need:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots
1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, onion, carrots, cream of chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Benefits:

Million-dollar chicken casserole is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables.
It’s a relatively easy dish to make, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
The casserole is also a great way to use up leftover chicken.
It’s a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Tips:

For a creamier casserole, use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
Add a cup of cooked rice to the casserole for a heartier dish.
Top the casserole with a layer of crushed Ritz crackers before baking for a crunchy topping.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead.
Serve the casserole with a side of crusty bread or rolls.

Million-dollar chicken casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Essential Aspects of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Million dollar chicken casserole recipe is a popular dish that is often served at potlucks and family gatherings. It is a hearty and flavorful dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. The casserole gets its name from the fact that it is so delicious, it’s worth a million dollars!

Main ingredient: Chicken
Vegetables: Celery, onion, carrots
Sauce: Cream of chicken soup, milk
Cheese: Cheddar cheese
Seasoning: Salt and pepper
Cooking method: Baking
Serving size: 6-8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes

These key aspects are all essential to making a million dollar chicken casserole recipe. The chicken provides the protein, the vegetables add flavor and nutrients, the sauce creates a creamy base, the cheese adds a rich flavor, the seasoning enhances the taste, the cooking method ensures that the casserole is cooked evenly, the serving size is perfect for a family or potluck, and the preparation and cooking time is reasonable. By understanding these key aspects, you can make a million dollar chicken casserole recipe that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Main ingredient

Chicken is the main ingredient in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. It provides the protein and flavor for the dish. Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. In million dollar chicken casserole recipe, chicken is typically cooked by baking it in a creamy sauce. This cooking method helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.

The type of chicken used in million dollar chicken casserole recipe can vary. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are the most common choices. However, you can also use other cuts of chicken, such as chicken drumsticks or wings. If you are using bone-in chicken, be sure to remove the bones before cooking.

The amount of chicken used in million dollar chicken casserole recipe will also vary depending on the size of the casserole dish. A 9×13 inch casserole dish will typically require 1-2 pounds of chicken. You can adjust the amount of chicken used based on your personal preferences.

Chicken is an essential ingredient in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. It provides the protein and flavor for the dish. By understanding the importance of chicken in this recipe, you can make a million dollar chicken casserole that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Vegetables

Celery, onion, and carrots are essential vegetables in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. They add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish. These vegetables are often referred to as the “holy trinity” of vegetables in cooking because they are used in a variety of dishes to create a flavorful base.

Flavor: Celery, onion, and carrots all have unique flavors that complement each other well. Celery adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, onion adds a sharp and pungent flavor, and carrots add a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. When these vegetables are cooked together, they create a flavorful base for the casserole.
Texture: Celery, onion, and carrots all have different textures that add interest to the casserole. Celery adds a crunchy texture, onion adds a soft and slightly chewy texture, and carrots add a tender and slightly sweet texture. The combination of these textures creates a well-balanced and enjoyable dish.
Nutrients: Celery, onion, and carrots are all. Celery is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. Onion is a good source of vitamins C and B6, as well as potassium. Carrots are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as beta-carotene. By including these vegetables in million dollar chicken casserole recipe, you can increase the nutritional value of the dish.

Celery, onion, and carrots are essential ingredients in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. They add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish. By understanding the importance of these vegetables in this recipe, you can make a million dollar chicken casserole that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Sauce

The sauce in million dollar chicken casserole recipe is made with cream of chicken soup and milk. This sauce is essential to the dish because it provides a creamy and flavorful base for the casserole. The cream of chicken soup adds a rich chicken flavor, while the milk helps to thin out the sauce and make it more creamy. Without the sauce, the casserole would be dry and bland.

The sauce also helps to bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive dish. The creaminess of the sauce helps to coat the chicken and vegetables, ensuring that they are all evenly cooked and flavorful. The sauce also helps to prevent the casserole from becoming dry and overcooked.

In addition to its flavor and texture, the sauce in million dollar chicken casserole recipe also adds nutritional value to the dish. Cream of chicken soup is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Milk is also a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. By including these ingredients in the sauce, you can increase the nutritional value of the casserole and make it a more complete meal.

Overall, the sauce is an essential component of million dollar chicken casserole recipe. It provides flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the dish. By understanding the importance of the sauce in this recipe, you can make a million dollar chicken casserole that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Cheese

Cheddar cheese is an essential ingredient in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. It adds a rich, sharp flavor to the dish and helps to create a creamy, bubbly sauce. Cheddar cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to the casserole.

Flavor: Cheddar cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. It adds a richness and depth of flavor to the dish that is simply unmatched by other cheeses.
Texture: Cheddar cheese melts smoothly and evenly, creating a creamy, bubbly sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables. This sauce helps to keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
Aroma: Cheddar cheese has a distinctive aroma that is both sharp and nutty. This aroma adds to the overall appeal of the casserole and makes it even more tempting to eat.
Nutrition: Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to million dollar chicken casserole recipe. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, while calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Overall, cheddar cheese is an essential ingredient in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. It adds flavor, texture, aroma, and nutrition to the dish. By understanding the importance of cheddar cheese in this recipe, you can make a million dollar chicken casserole that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Seasoning

Salt and pepper are essential seasonings in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. They enhance the flavor of the other ingredients and help to create a well-balanced dish. Salt is a natural flavor enhancer that can bring out the best in the other ingredients. Pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the dish. Without salt and pepper, the casserole would be bland and one-dimensional.
The amount of salt and pepper to use in million dollar chicken casserole recipe will vary depending on your personal preferences. However, a good starting point is to use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. You can then adjust the seasonings to taste.
In addition to enhancing the flavor of the casserole, salt and pepper also help to create a creamy, bubbly sauce. The salt helps to thicken the sauce, while the pepper adds a touch of spice. The combination of these two seasonings creates a delicious and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Salt and pepper are essential seasonings in million dollar chicken casserole recipe. They enhance the flavor of the other ingredients, help to create a creamy, bubbly sauce, and add a touch of spice and complexity to the dish. By understanding the importance of salt and pepper in this recipe, you can make a million dollar chicken casserole that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Cooking method

Baking is an essential cooking method for million dollar chicken casserole recipe. It is the process of cooking food by exposing it to hot air in an oven. Baking helps to create a evenly cooked and flavorful casserole. The hot air circulates around the casserole, cooking the chicken and vegetables evenly. This cooking method also helps to create a crispy crust on the top of the casserole.

Baking is a relatively easy cooking method, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It is also a versatile cooking method, as it can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including casseroles, cakes, cookies, and pies.

In million dollar chicken casserole recipe, baking is used to cook the chicken, vegetables, and sauce. The casserole is baked in a preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. The baking time will vary depending on the size of the casserole dish.

Understanding the connection between “Cooking method: Baking” and “million dollar chicken casserole recipe” is important for creating a delicious and flavorful casserole. By baking the casserole, you can ensure that the chicken and vegetables are cooked evenly and that the sauce is flavorful and bubbly.

Serving size

The serving size for million dollar chicken casserole recipe is typically 6-8 servings. This serving size is important because it ensures that there is enough food to feed a family or a group of friends. A smaller serving size would not be enough to feed everyone, while a larger serving size would be wasteful and expensive.

The serving size of a recipe is also important for determining the nutritional value of the dish. The serving size will affect the amount of calories, fat, and other nutrients that are consumed. For example, a 1 cup serving of million dollar chicken casserole recipe contains approximately 300 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein. However, a 2 cup serving of the same recipe would contain double the amount of calories, fat, and protein.

Understanding the serving size of a recipe is important for meal planning and portion control. By knowing the serving size, you can ensure that you are eating the right amount of food and that you are getting the proper amount of nutrients.

The serving size for million dollar chicken casserole recipe is 6-8 servings. This serving size is important for ensuring that there is enough food to feed a family or a group of friends, for determining the nutritional value of the dish, and for meal planning and portion control.

Preparation time

Preparation time refers to the amount of time it takes to gather and measure the ingredients and prepare them for cooking. In the context of million dollar chicken casserole recipe, the preparation time is estimated to be 15 minutes. This means that it should take approximately 15 minutes to complete tasks such as cutting the chicken, chopping the vegetables, and measuring out the other ingredients.

Time-saving techniques: There are several time-saving techniques that can be used to reduce the preparation time for million dollar chicken casserole recipe. For example, using pre-cut chicken and vegetables can save a significant amount of time. Additionally, using a food processor or blender to chop the vegetables can also speed up the preparation process.
Mise en place: Mise en place is a French culinary term that refers to the practice of organizing and preparing all of the ingredients before beginning to cook. This can help to save time and reduce stress during the cooking process. For million dollar chicken casserole recipe, mise en place would involve measuring out all of the ingredients and chopping the vegetables before starting to cook.
Planning ahead: Planning ahead can also help to reduce the preparation time for million dollar chicken casserole recipe. For example, if you know that you are going to be short on time, you can chop the vegetables the night before. Additionally, you can also cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
Advantages of short preparation time: The short preparation time for million dollar chicken casserole recipe makes it a great option for busy weeknights. It is also a relatively easy recipe to make, making it a good choice for beginner cooks.

Understanding the connection between “Preparation time: 15 minutes” and “million dollar chicken casserole recipe” is important for planning and preparing the dish. By understanding the preparation time, you can ensure that you have enough time to prepare the recipe and that you are using time-saving techniques to make the process as efficient as possible.

Million dollar chicken casserole, despite its luxurious-sounding name, is a hearty, budget-friendly dish made with chicken, vegetables, a creamy sauce, and often topped with cheese. This classic comfort food has gained immense popularity due to its delectable flavor and ease of preparation.

The origins of million dollar chicken casserole are uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century. It is speculated that the name may have been coined due to its perceived richness and deliciousness. Over the years, this casserole has become a staple in many American households and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The main ingredients in million dollar chicken casserole typically include cooked chicken, chopped celery, onions, carrots, a cream-based soup (such as cream of chicken or cream of mushroom), milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Variations of the recipe may incorporate additional ingredients like peas, corn, or bell peppers. The casserole is typically baked in the oven until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

FAQs about Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Million dollar chicken casserole is a delectable and budget-friendly dish that has captured the hearts of many. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide further insights into this beloved casserole:

Question 1: What is the origin of the name “million dollar chicken casserole”?

Answer: The exact origin of the name is unknown, but it is speculated that it may have been coined due to the perceived richness and deliciousness of the casserole.

Question 2: What are the essential ingredients in million dollar chicken casserole?

Answer: The main ingredients typically include cooked chicken, chopped celery, onions, carrots, a cream-based soup (such as cream of chicken or cream of mushroom), milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Question 3: Can I use other vegetables in the casserole besides celery, onions, and carrots?

Answer: Yes, you can incorporate additional vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to add variety and enhance the nutritional value of the dish.

Question 4: What type of cheese is traditionally used in million dollar chicken casserole?

Answer: Shredded cheddar cheese is the most commonly used cheese in this casserole, providing a rich and flavorful topping.

Question 5: Can I prepare million dollar chicken casserole ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal planning and preparation.

Question 6: What are some tips for making the best million dollar chicken casserole?

Answer: To enhance the flavor, use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and a flavorful cream-based soup. Additionally, do not overcook the chicken, as this can result in a dry casserole. Finally, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Summary: Million dollar chicken casserole is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Understanding the commonly asked questions and their answers provides a deeper understanding of this beloved casserole, equipping you to create a delectable meal that will be enjoyed by all.

Transition to the next article section: For more culinary inspiration, explore our extensive collection of recipes and articles on a wide range of cuisines and cooking techniques.

Conclusion

Million dollar chicken casserole recipe has earned its place as a beloved dish due to its delectable flavor, versatility, and budget-friendly nature. Through our exploration of this culinary delight, we have uncovered its origins, essential ingredients, preparation techniques, and answers to frequently asked questions.

This casserole’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its ability to satisfy diverse palates and its adaptability to personal preferences. Experimenting with different vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings allows home cooks to create a unique and flavorful dish that reflects their culinary creativity.

As we conclude our exploration of million dollar chicken casserole recipe, let us remember that the joy of cooking lies in the process of creation and the pleasure of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. May this dish continue to grace dinner tables, bringing comfort, nourishment, and memories for generations to come.