If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, look no further than Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This creamy, decadent bake is everything you crave after a long day: savory, cheesy, and gloriously rich, yet surprisingly easy to whip up. The buttery Ritz cracker topping provides an irresistible crunch over tender, saucy chicken, with every bite tasting like pure luxury. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or hosting a cozy get-together, this dish is a sure-fire winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is how it transforms simple pantry staples into a show-stopping meal. Every ingredient has a purpose, contributing flavor, silkiness, or that addictive, golden topping.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut and packs big, savory punch, but any pre-cooked chicken works.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is the key to a lusciously smooth, rich filling—make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
- Sour cream: Adds just the right tang to balance out all the cheesy, creamy flavors.
- Mayonnaise: It might surprise you, but mayo brings extra creaminess and keeps the casserole moist.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy deliciousness throughout the casserole—use sharp cheddar for more flavor!
- Garlic powder: Brings warmth and a subtle garlicky note without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and a gentle sweetness that rounds everything out.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning all those creamy layers.
- Black pepper: A little bite to keep the flavors balanced.
- Crushed Ritz crackers: Ritz crackers take the topping from ordinary to unforgettable—salty, buttery, and crisp.
- Melted butter: Helps those cracker crumbs toast into a golden, flavorful crust that everyone fights over.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a pop of fresh color and a hit of herbal brightness right before serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and makes serving those creamy layers a breeze.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients become perfectly smooth and irresistibly creamy. You want every bite of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole to taste luxurious, and this is where that magic happens!
Step 3: Fold in the Chicken
Add your cooked, shredded chicken to the creamy mixture. Gently stir until all the chicken is completely coated. This step ensures the hearty chicken soaks in all that rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Transfer the creamy chicken filling to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so it’s level and ready for that crave-worthy topping. The even layer means every serving will be just right.
Step 5: Make and Add the Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until every crumb is glistening. Sprinkle this topping evenly over your chicken mixture. The crisp, buttery crackers will bake up golden and create the perfect contrast to the creamy interior of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the top is beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this helps everything set up for gorgeous slices.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you want an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before digging in. You’re now ready to dish up slices of pure comfort.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding a pop of vibrant green and a light herbal note to your million dollar masterpiece. If you’d like, a few cracks of black pepper or even some finely sliced green onions on top are beautiful too.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs fabulously with simple sides—a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans work wonders to balance the richness. If you’re feeding a hungrier crowd, serve it over fluffy rice, tender pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole feel extra special by serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party vibe, or scoop into buttery slider rolls for a fun family meal. Leftovers—if you manage to have any—also make a glorious, cheesy filling for baked potatoes or a stuffing for bell peppers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making leftovers just as crave-worthy!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, simply assemble it up to the point before baking (but leave off the cracker topping). Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the topping just before baking from frozen or after thawing overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20-25 minutes for a whole dish, or less for individual portions. You can also microwave single servings in short bursts, but the oven does the best job of reviving that crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! While cheddar gives great flavor and melt, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend for something different. Try sharp cheddar for extra tang or a smoky gouda for deeper, more complex notes.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
The easiest method is to use store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it with two forks, but you can also poach or bake chicken breasts and shred them once cool. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes quick work of shredding too!
Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (but keep the cracker topping separate so it doesn’t get soggy), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day ahead. When ready to bake, add your topping and pop it in the oven.
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor are always a hit with kids (and adults alike). If your family enjoys a little kick, you can offer hot sauce on the side for grown-ups who want some heat.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Of course! Mix in cooked peas, broccoli florets, or diced bell peppers with the chicken for a bit of extra color, flavor, and nutrition. Just make sure any veggies are cooked and drained well to keep the filling from getting watery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that always brings the comfort, buzz, and full-bellied smiles to your table, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the one to try. There’s a good reason this recipe is so beloved—it’s easy, endlessly customizable, and straight-up delicious. Give it a spot in your weekly rotation and let it become a family favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For Garnish:
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in shredded chicken.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
