If you're looking for a dish that will impress your family and friends while being simple and quick to prepare, you’ve found the answer with this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with rich flavors, this dish feels like a million bucks but doesn't require much more than basic kitchen staples. Whether you're making it for a cozy weeknight meal or serving it up at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your household. Read on to discover how you can create this luxurious dish in your own kitchen!

What is a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is an irresistible dish made with tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a topping of melty cheese that delivers an unforgettable flavor. What makes it special is its combination of rich, comforting ingredients—cream cheese, sour cream, shredded chicken, and often Ritz crackers for a crunchy finish. The name "Million Dollar" comes from the idea that the dish is so rich and tasty, it’s worth a million bucks! Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or just indulging yourself, this casserole is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you will need for this decadent casserole. The beauty of this recipe is that you can likely find most of these items already in your kitchen:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (or breadcrumbs as an alternative)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts about cooking is the ability to tweak recipes based on personal taste or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can consider when making the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
- Chicken Alternatives: Instead of shredded chicken, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or even leftover roast chicken. If you're vegetarian, swap out the chicken for diced tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative.
- Soup Substitutes: If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor.
- Cheese Variety: Try mixing in other cheeses like Gruyère, pepper jack, or Parmesan to elevate the flavor profile. Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Low-fat Option: Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and reduced-fat cheeses to make a lighter version of the casserole without sacrificing flavor.
- Crust Variations: While Ritz crackers provide a buttery, crunchy topping, you can substitute them with crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even French-fried onions for a unique crunch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have the ingredients sorted, let’s move on to the actual cooking process. Follow these simple steps to make your very own Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready to go once you’ve prepared your casserole.
- Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred the chicken. A rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor. Set the chicken aside.
- Make the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the chicken and cheese: Gently fold the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture. Make sure the chicken and cheese are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are coated in the butter, and then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s recap the cooking process for clarity:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix creamy ingredients (cream cheese, sour cream, soup, and seasonings).
- Fold in chicken and cheese.
- Spread mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Top with buttery Ritz crackers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, a few common mistakes could lead to a less-than-perfect result. Keep these tips in mind:
- Not softening the cream cheese: If your cream cheese isn’t soft, it won’t blend smoothly with the other ingredients. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Overcooking the casserole: Baking too long can dry out the casserole. Once the top is golden and bubbly, it’s ready to come out.
- Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to season the mixture well. While it may seem simple, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powders bring out the best in the ingredients.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation can elevate a simple casserole into something that feels more special. Here are some serving and presentation tips for your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:
- Individual servings: Instead of serving it from the dish, scoop individual portions onto plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of melted butter.
- Side dishes: Pair this rich casserole with lighter sides like a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
- Family-style: Serve the casserole family-style by placing it at the center of the table with serving spoons, letting everyone help themselves. Add a bread basket with warm dinner rolls for an extra touch.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:
- As a main dish: Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, a green vegetable like asparagus, or a salad.
- With pasta or rice: For a more substantial meal, serve it over a bed of rice, pasta, or even quinoa.
- For lunch: It makes excellent leftovers and can be reheated easily for a hearty lunch the next day.
Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
When it comes to presentation, consider the following:
- Layered look: Create a layered effect by adding a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top of each portion.
- Color contrast: Serve with bright green vegetables or a side salad for a burst of color on the plate.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken: For added flavor and convenience, a rotisserie chicken is ideal for this recipe.
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Just assemble, freeze, and then bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute the Ritz crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers, and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
Q: How long does the casserole keep?
A: It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen.
Conclusion
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s easy to prepare and customize. With its creamy, cheesy layers and satisfying crunch, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a meal that truly feels like a million bucks!
PrintMillion Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole recipe is a creamy, rich, and satisfying dish made with tender chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and buttery crackers. A perfect easy-to-make comfort food with million-dollar flavor that will please the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- ½ cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Stir in shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- For added flavor, mix in some garlic powder or onion powder.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
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