Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

The Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Ever

Southern kitchens have been buzzing about this million dollar chicken casserole that transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort.

Whispers of its creamy, cheesy magic spread quickly among home cooks seeking delicious dinner solutions.

Hearty layers of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and crisp crackers create an irresistible combination that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight meal planning just got easier with this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in under an hour.

Packed with rich flavors and minimal effort, this casserole promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Creamy, satisfying, and guaranteed to empty plates faster than you can say “seconds,” this recipe is about to become your new dinnertime hero.

Dive in and experience the magic that makes this casserole worth every single delectable bite.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for the delicious magic about to happen.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Cottage cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Cream of chicken soup

Blend everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Protein And Seasonings

Fold in your shredded chicken along with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix thoroughly so every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously grease it.

Pour your creamy chicken mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

In a separate small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.

Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture across the top of your casserole.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.

Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness of this million-dollar chicken casserole!

Million Dollar Chicken Tips You’ll Appreciate

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture in the casserole.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken breasts for more tender and flavorful meat.
  • Adjust garlic and onion powder to taste, ensuring a rich and well-balanced flavor profile.
  • Crush Ritz crackers finely for an even, crispy golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch.
  • Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Ways to Customize Million Dollar Chicken Recipe

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Bake: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds and swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt to reduce carbohydrates. Use cauliflower rice as a base for a keto-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut milk instead of sour cream, and replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Chicken Casserole: Use gluten-free crackers or almond flour crumbs for topping. Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to enhance flavor profile.

What to Serve With This Casserole Dish

  • Comfort Food Companions: Fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the rich casserole.
  • Hearty Side Kick: Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus provide a nutritious vegetable complement that balances the creamy dish.
  • Perfect Pairing: Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls help soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and add delightful texture to the meal.
  • Refreshing Finish: Crisp white wine or cold iced tea serve as excellent beverages that refresh the palate after enjoying this decadent casserole.

How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
  • Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cracker topping.
  • Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the fridge.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and follow the recipe as written.

  • What if I don't have Ritz crackers for the topping?

No problem! You can substitute with breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed butter crackers. The goal is a crispy, buttery topping that adds texture.

Reasons to Try Million Dollar Chicken Recipe

Reasons to Try Million Dollar Chicken Recipe
  • Unleash Cheesy Comfort: Packed with multiple melty cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, this casserole delivers ultimate creamy satisfaction for cheese lovers.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Requires minimal preparation steps, uses straightforward ingredients, and comes together quickly for busy families needing a satisfying meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinner parties where everyone craves a hearty, delicious main dish that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
  • Transform Leftover Chicken: Brilliantly repurposes shredded chicken into a luxurious, protein-rich casserole that feels completely new and exciting, reducing food waste and saving money.

Ingredients in Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender meat that provides the protein base for the casserole and adds substantial flavor to the dish.
Cheese Blend:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese, Mozzarella, Cheddar: A rich and creamy combination of cheeses that creates a luxurious and smooth texture for the casserole.
Seasoning and Soup Base:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds depth and moisture to the casserole while enhancing the overall savory flavor.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide balanced and aromatic flavors to the dish.
Topping:
  • Ritz Crackers, Butter: Creates a crispy and golden-brown crust that adds a delightful crunch to the creamy casserole.
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Million dollar chicken casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Southern-style ingredients blend perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken

Cheeses:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cottage cheese

Creamy and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
  2. Create a creamy base by whisking together cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and cream of chicken soup until smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Incorporate shredded chicken into the cheese mixture, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile.
  4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly, then carefully spread the chicken and cheese blend evenly across the bottom.
  5. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter to create a crunchy topping.
  6. Generously sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the entire casserole surface, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate the casserole is heated through.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set before serving.

Notes

  • Choose full-fat cream cheese for richer, more decadent flavor and smoother texture.
  • Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-fat alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
  • Prepare chicken ahead of time by poaching, roasting, or using rotisserie chicken for quicker assembly and consistent seasoning.
  • Consider gluten-free options by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crispy topping that accommodates dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 518 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 717 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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