If you're looking for a rich, creamy, and cheesy dinner option that’s perfect for feeding a family or entertaining guests, look no further than the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! This dish lives up to its name with its irresistible combination of tender chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and a crunchy topping that brings everything together. It’s a decadent comfort food casserole that’s easy to make and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into the recipe, with step-by-step instructions and tips to customize it to your liking!
What is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish that features shredded or cubed chicken mixed with a rich combination of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese, topped with crispy crushed crackers or breadcrumbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even make-ahead meals. The "million-dollar" name comes from its decadent, rich flavors that are truly worth their weight in gold!
Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this indulgent Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 sleeve (about 1 cup) Ritz crackers, crushed (or substitute with Panko breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Substitutions and Variations for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some suggestions:
- Lighter version: Use light cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise for a lighter version of this casserole without sacrificing flavor.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Spicy twist: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- Extra cheesy: If you love cheese, you can add more mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Ranch-flavored version: Stir in a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix to the chicken mixture for a ranch-inspired twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy, creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add chicken and cheese: Fold the shredded or cubed chicken into the creamy mixture, along with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until the chicken is fully coated and the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
- Add cracker topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired.
How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl until smooth.
- Stir in chicken, cheddar, and mozzarella, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with buttered crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve garnished with green onions or parsley.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few tips to avoid common mistakes when making this creamy casserole:
- Not softening the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese can create lumps and make the mixture harder to combine smoothly.
- Overbaking: Watch the casserole closely toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking. You want the top to be golden and the inside creamy, but not dried out.
- Not seasoning the chicken mixture: Be sure to taste the chicken mixture before baking to check for seasoning. Adding salt and pepper to taste is important to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to serve it and make it look extra appetizing:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped green onions, chives, or parsley adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with a side salad: A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole perfectly.
- Add roasted vegetables: Serve the casserole alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a more balanced meal.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Here’s how you can serve this comforting, cheesy casserole for the best results:
- Main dish: Serve the casserole as a main course with side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- At a potluck: This casserole is a great option for potlucks or family gatherings because it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Meal prep: Leftovers store and reheat well, making this a perfect meal for prepping ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.
Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole look as good as it tastes with these presentation tips:
- Cast iron skillet: Bake and serve the casserole in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation.
- Individual servings: For a more elegant presentation, portion the casserole into individual ramekins or small oven-safe dishes.
- Extra cheese and herbs: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese and fresh herbs on top right before serving for a polished, colorful finish.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to ensure your casserole is a success:
- Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred or cube the chicken and you’re ready to go!
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. You can assemble the dish (without baking), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Q: What’s a good substitute for Ritz crackers?
A: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can substitute with Panko breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or even crushed cornflakes for a crunchy topping.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Yes! You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.
Q: How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
A: Leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a decadent dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Whether you’re serving it as the main event or pairing it with your favorite sides, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a million-dollar meal that’s worth every bite!
PrintMillion Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and decadent dish featuring tender chicken mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese, then topped with a buttery cracker crust. This comforting casserole is perfect for a weeknight family dinner or potluck and is sure to become a new favorite with its rich and indulgent flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breasts (shredded or diced)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cream of chicken soup
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Ritz crackers (crushed)
- Butter (melted)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or green onions to the chicken mixture.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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