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
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:Blend everything until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Protein And Seasonings
Fold in your shredded chicken along with: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
Ways to Customize Million Dollar Chicken Recipe
What to Serve With This Casserole Dish
How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
FAQs
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.
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and follow the recipe as written.
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
Ingredients in Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Main Protein:Cheese Blend:Seasoning and Soup Base:Topping: Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- 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
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
- 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.
- Incorporate shredded chicken into the cheese mixture, seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly, then carefully spread the chicken and cheese blend evenly across the bottom.
- Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter to create a crunchy topping.
- Generously sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the entire casserole surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate the casserole is heated through.
- 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
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.