If you have been craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you will absolutely fall in love with this Million Dollar Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe. Combining the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce and cheeses with tender chunks of chicken and golden, crispy pierogies, this casserole is pure magic baked to perfection. It’s an easy-to-assemble dish that brings together every flavor and texture you never knew you needed – gooey, crunchy, savory, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or want leftovers that taste just as good the next day, this recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a spectacularly creamy and crunchy casserole. Each one is essential: the pierogies provide a tender, pillowy base; the trio of cheeses delivers smooth richness; chicken brings heartiness; and those french fried onions add the perfect crunchy top note.
- Frozen Garlic & Parmesan Pierogies (2 packages, 16 oz each): These flavorful pierogies form the deliciously soft and cheesy foundation of the casserole.
- Alfredo Sauce (1 jar, 15 oz): Brings irresistible creaminess and a smooth, garlicky flavor that ties everything together.
- Chopped Cooked Chicken (4 cups): Adds protein and a tender meaty texture that makes this casserole a meal on its own.
- Cottage Cheese (1 cup): Provides moisture and tang while blending beautifully with the other cheeses for a lush texture.
- Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds a subtle tang and creaminess that balances the richness perfectly.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, room temperature): Makes the casserole ultra-smooth and rich without being overpowering.
- French Fried Onions (1 container, 6 oz, divided): Half mixed in for flavor and crunch, and half sprinkled on top for that iconic golden crust.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Melts on top with just the right sharpness and color, making the casserole irresistible to dig into.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure everything releases easily after baking and nothing sticks to the bottom. This step sets the stage for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream. Give it a good stir, then season generously with salt and black pepper to your taste. The combination of these dairy ingredients creates a velvety, tangy base that complements the savory chicken and pierogies perfectly.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Pierogies, and Onions
Gently fold in the chopped cooked chicken, half of the french fried onions, and all of the pierogies into your creamy mixture. This step is essential for evenly distributing the crispy onions throughout the casserole while nestling the pierogies and chicken into the luscious sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Transfer the entire pierogi mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and finish with the remaining french fried onions, which will bake up beautifully crispy and golden as a crowning touch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, letting it bubble and brown. This baking time ensures the pierogies soften and soak up the creamy sauce while the topping turns delectably crunchy, creating a harmonious medley of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten and freshen each bite, sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream on the side also complements the casserole’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the main attraction, so pairing it with light, crisp sides works best. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed broccoli to add color and a mild crunch to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve the Million Dollar Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. You can also offer small bowls of extra french fried onions and cheddar for guests to customize their portions with more crunch and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making an excellent next-day meal that tastes just as delicious.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble but do not bake it, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350ºF oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Adding a few extra minutes uncovered will help crisp the top back up nicely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pierogies instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh pierogies will work just as well, though you may want to adjust baking time slightly since they are already soft. Keep an eye on the casserole to ensure they don’t overcook.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can skip the chicken and add extra mushrooms or roasted vegetables for flavor and texture. Just be sure to use vegetable broth or sauce to keep the dish fully vegetarian.
What can I substitute for the french fried onions?
If you can’t find french fried onions, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crispy fried shallots both make excellent crunchy toppings that will add the needed texture and extra layer of flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Million Dollar Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe the day before and refrigerate it, then bake fresh when you are ready. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
How spicy is this casserole?
This dish is mild and creamy with no inherent spiciness, making it family-friendly and perfect for all palates. You can easily add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Million Dollar Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe, it’s sure to become a beloved go-to dish for comfort food cravings. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this casserole delivers warmth, satisfaction, and a big dose of deliciousness in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this one again and again!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 to 45 minutes
- Total Time: 45 to 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Pierogi Casserole is a rich and comforting baked dish that combines tender garlic and parmesan pierogies with creamy Alfredo sauce, cooked chicken, and a luscious blend of cheeses topped with crispy French fried onions. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, this casserole bakes to golden, bubbly perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 (16-oz) packages frozen Garlic & Parmesan Pierogies
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 (6-oz) container French fried onions, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then gently fold in the chopped cooked chicken, half of the French fried onions, and the frozen pierogies, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the prepared pierogi and chicken mixture evenly into the sprayed casserole dish. Spread it out gently to create an even layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining French fried onions to add a delicious crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. The casserole should bubble and the onions on top will turn a lovely golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it rest a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to blend smoothly.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
