Looking for a creamy, comforting, and indulgent dish that’ll impress everyone at the table? The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with layers of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and crunchy topping baked to golden perfection. This dish is rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to leave your family asking for seconds! Stick around as we guide you step-by-step through this crowd-pleasing recipe.
What is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a decadent baked dish combining shredded chicken with a rich mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese. The “million-dollar” part comes from its luxurious and rich flavor—thanks to the combination of creamy cheeses and the addition of a crispy cracker topping. This dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering, and it’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether served as a main course or alongside other dishes, this casserole is always a hit!
Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
To make this ultra-comforting casserole, here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Cooked Chicken: 4 cups, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Sour Cream: 1 cup
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve, crushed (for topping)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted (for the cracker topping)
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional)
These ingredients come together to create the rich, creamy base of the casserole, while the crunchy Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect textural contrast.
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can make:
- Chicken: Instead of shredded chicken, you can use cubed cooked chicken breasts or thighs. You can even use leftover turkey for a Thanksgiving twist!
- Cheese: You can substitute or mix in different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Parmesan for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese: If you want to lighten it up a bit, use Neufchâtel cheese (a lower-fat version of cream cheese) or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for added protein.
- Vegetables: Add a handful of cooked vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas for a more balanced dish. Simply fold them into the chicken mixture before assembling the casserole.
- Gluten-Free: Swap out the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers, or use crushed cornflakes as a gluten-free topping.
- Spicy Version: For those who love heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños into the mix.
- Pasta Addition: Turn this into a heartier dish by adding cooked pasta such as penne or rotini into the casserole for a complete one-dish meal.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a breeze! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you get perfect results every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
- Combine the Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer can help achieve a lump-free consistency.
- Add the Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Fold in the Chicken and Cheese: Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the Mixture: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
- Crush the Crackers: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are well-coated.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the chicken filling.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let it Rest: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to firm up slightly.
How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the key steps to making this indulgent Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
- Prepare the Creamy Mixture: Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, seasonings, and cheeses.
- Fold in the Chicken: Combine the creamy mixture with shredded chicken to create the casserole filling.
- Assemble and Top: Spread the mixture into a baking dish, top with buttery Ritz crackers.
- Bake and Enjoy: Bake until bubbly and golden, then let it rest before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing, or you’ll end up with a lumpy mixture. If you're in a hurry, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it up.
- Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the casserole. You want it golden on top but still creamy inside. Overbaking can dry out the chicken.
- Using Cold Chicken: Make sure your shredded chicken is at room temperature or slightly warm. Cold chicken can cause the casserole to bake unevenly.
- Skipping the Resting Period: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
- Portions: Slice the casserole into squares or spoon out individual servings.
- Side Dishes: Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of mashed potatoes to balance the rich flavors of the casserole.
Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped green onions over the top to add a touch of color and freshness.
- Serving Dish: Use a rustic or colorful baking dish for a homestyle presentation. Casserole dishes with a ceramic finish add a nice touch when serving guests.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it before or after baking—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
- Customize the Crunch: If you’re not a fan of Ritz crackers, substitute them with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed potato chips for a unique crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this casserole and adds a nice depth of flavor. Simply shred it and use in place of cooked chicken breasts.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in foil and freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
For the best texture, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating smaller portions, the microwave works well too—just cover the dish with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Conclusion
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and perfectly topped with a buttery crunch. Whether you're making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you deserve a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to please! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish can become a staple in your dinner rotation. So, grab your ingredients, and start cooking your way to a million-dollar meal!
PrintMillion Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a decadent dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and shredded cheese, all topped with a buttery cracker crust. It's the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or special family dinners, combining creamy and crunchy textures in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add some cooked bacon or green onions for extra flavor.
- This casserole freezes well for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
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