Description
Million Dollar Chicken is a rich and creamy baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious cream cheese and cheddar sauce, topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, this comforting recipe is easy to prepare, versatile, and loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Lightly sauté or bake them until they are just cooked through but still moist, ensuring they remain juicy after baking with the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir until smooth and well incorporated to create a rich, velvety sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, spreading it to cover each piece thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the sauce layer to form a buttery, crunchy topping that will bake to a golden brown.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the assembled dish at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Slightly undercook chicken initially as it will continue cooking in the oven with the sauce.
- Use fresh green onions to brighten the dish and balance richness.
- Spread cracker topping evenly for a consistent crunchy layer.
- Allow the dish to rest after baking to fully develop the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and topping
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken, baked chicken, creamy chicken, cheesy chicken casserole, comfort food