Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both creamy and irresistibly rich, look no further than the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, blending tender shredded chicken with a luscious cheese sauce and a buttery cracker topping that’s golden and crisp. Every bite delivers that cozy, homemade flavor you crave, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to treat yourself to something special. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole isn’t just a meal—it’s a warm hug in casserole form, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen for a reason, coming together to create a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying casserole. The best part? They’re all easy to find and play a starring role in the flavor, texture, or color of your finished dish.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (4 cups): Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for convenience and adds extra flavor.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings the signature creamy texture that makes this casserole so dreamy.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a subtle tang and smoothness that balances the richness.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Gives the filling extra silkiness and depth.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Offers a bold, melty cheese pull and sharpness that cuts through the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds nutty, salty notes that elevate every bite.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Lends a gentle garlic aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a hint of sweetness and complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for making all the flavors pop.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a bit of warmth and contrast.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, about 30, crushed): The secret to that irresistible buttery crunch on top.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Helps bind the cracker topping and browns beautifully in the oven.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a light finishing touch.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter to ensure easy serving later. This little bit of prep sets the stage for casserole greatness.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is silky smooth and well blended. This is your flavor-packed base, and it should look irresistibly creamy and thick.
Step 3: Fold in the Chicken
Add your cooked, shredded chicken into the cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together so each strand of chicken is luxuriously coated. This ensures every bite of your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole will be juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. You want an even layer so the casserole bakes up beautifully and every serving is just right.
Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
In a separate small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until the crumbs are all glistening and coated. This classic topping is what makes each bite of this casserole so special.
Step 6: Sprinkle and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Cool and Garnish
Let the casserole cool for just a few minutes before serving—this helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice. If you like, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, giving your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole a vibrant pop of green. You can also try chives or a little extra shredded cheddar for more color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs beautifully with something fresh and simple. A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus all make wonderful, healthy sides. For a cozier feel, add fluffy mashed potatoes or a scoop of buttery rice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch. Or scoop it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic, comfort-food vibe that will wow your guests. Don’t forget the extra sprinkle of parsley on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the next-day bites even more delicious!
Freezing
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers in a covered dish at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick lunch. For best texture, add a fresh sprinkle of cracker crumbs before reheating in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works just as well in Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s a great way to use up holiday extras and still get that same creamy, comforting result.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is a game changer for speed and flavor, but you can also poach or bake chicken breasts and shred them using two forks or a stand mixer. Aim for bite-sized pieces for the best texture in your casserole.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free crackers for the Ritz, and double-check all labels to keep your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole completely gluten-free.
Can I lighten up the casserole?
You can substitute light cream cheese and light sour cream to reduce the richness without sacrificing much flavor. Greek yogurt can also stand in for the sour cream if you like a little extra tang.
How can I add vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to stir in a cup or two of cooked broccoli florets, peas, or sautéed mushrooms before baking. They’ll blend right in and add a pop of color and extra nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a casserole that brings everyone to the table, and Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is that kind of recipe. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite comfort food!
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting chicken bake that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Featuring tender shredded chicken combined with cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and sharp cheddar cheese, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is rich, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are smooth and fully incorporated without lumps.
- Add Chicken: Fold the cooked, shredded chicken into the creamy mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated for consistent flavor throughout the casserole.
- Spread into Baking Dish: Evenly spread the chicken mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing out the top for an even layer.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden brown crust on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking; just extend the bake time slightly if baking cold.
- For a lighter version, substitute light cream cheese and light sour cream.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
