Description
The Million Dollar Dinner is a rich and creamy baked chicken dish featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, accented by green onions and crispy bacon. Covered with a buttery, crunchy cracker topping, this easy-to-make casserole bakes to golden perfection, offering a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.
- Assemble the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken breasts, covering them thoroughly.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the cheese-covered chicken, adding a smoky, savory crunch.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are well coated.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the bacon-topped chicken. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm, accompanied by your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
- For a quicker version, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust seasoning to your taste; more garlic powder or green onions can add extra flavor.
- The buttery cracker topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy cheese layer underneath.
