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

Scale

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

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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