I absolutely love sharing this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those comforting dishes that just hits the spot every single time. Whether you’re gathering the family for an easy weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, this casserole comes through with creamy, cheesy goodness and a perfectly crispy topping that makes everyone go back for seconds.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes way more indulgent than it really is. The best part? You can customize it easily, and it s forgiving enough that even if you re not the most experienced cook, you ll find success here. Trust me, once you make the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe, it ll become a recipe you reach for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple Ingredients: You’ll probably have most of these in your pantry or fridge already, making it a fantastic last-minute meal.
- Creamy and Crispy Combo: The creamy filling paired with a crunchy cracker topping gives the perfect texture balance.
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it the next day without losing flavor or texture.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish every time I bring it to the table, especially kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in how these simple ingredients blend to create creamy richness with a crispy, buttery topping. I always recommend using a rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Cooked chicken: I like to use rotisserie chicken because it’s juicy and flavorful, but leftover roasted chicken works just as well.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it s at room temperature to mix smoothly-if you re pressed for time, a quick 15-20 second zap in the microwave works wonders.
- Cottage cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a bit of protein; you can use small or large curd depending on your preference.
- Sour cream: Balances the richness with a slight tang that brightens the casserole.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Using it unsalted helps you control the saltiness, which is a tip I learned after the first overly salty batch!
- Garlic powder & dried onion powder: These pantry staples deepen the savory flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed finely to create that golden, buttery crust everyone loves.
- Butter: Melted and mixed with the cracker crumbs to ensure the topping crisps beautifully in the oven.
Variations
I enjoy tweaking this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season-don t hesitate to make it your own!
- Gluten-Free: I swapped out the Ritz crackers for crushed pork rinds and used gluten-free cream of chicken soup; the texture changes a bit but still delicious.
- Extra Veggies: Adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach has been a favorite way to sneak in some greens.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños in the filling can give it a fun heat twist.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella for an even cheesier casserole.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep the Pan
First things first: preheat your oven to 350ºF. I like to lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray so the casserole doesn t stick and comes out cleanly for serving. This step saves you a lot of hassle later!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. I discovered that mixing well until everything is smooth and evenly combined is key to that rich, velvety texture. If you notice any lumps, just keep stirring-you’ll get there!
Step 3: Spread the Mixture and Make the Topping
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then, in a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this cracker mixture generously over the top. This part always makes me excited because I know that crispy topping is going to bring that million-dollar finish to the casserole.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until it s bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes-ovens can vary, and you don t want the topping to burn. When it comes out, let it rest a few minutes before serving; that way, it sets up nicely for clean slices.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: I always make sure my cream cheese is super soft before mixing; a quick microwave zap saves so much frustration.
- Controlled Saltiness: Using unsalted cream of chicken soup helps me avoid an overly salty dish-I toss in salt later if needed.
- Even Cracker Topping: Tossing the crumbs in melted butter ensures a golden, crispy topping instead of dry, crumbly bits.
- Don t Overbake: Baking just until bubbly with golden topping keeps the casserole moist and prevents it from drying out.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a bit of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving-it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the creamy richness perfectly. Sometimes, I also add a light drizzle of hot sauce for guests who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
To keep things balanced, I usually pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also work beautifully if you want to make a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I ve baked this casserole in smaller ramekins to give everyone their own personal million dollar portion. It s also a hit when topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and baked until bubbly and golden for a fancy-looking casserole bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My favorite way to store leftovers is to cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers, then refrigerate. The casserole stays creamy and delicious for up to 3 days-perfect for quick lunches or dinners when you re rushing.
Freezing
If I want to save this dish for later, I usually prepare it through step 3, cover tightly, and freeze it. When ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake according to the original directions. Freezing doesn t change the flavor, and the topping still crisps up nicely.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist and warm it in a 350ºF oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Then, I remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to refresh the crispy topping-this little trick always makes leftovers taste freshly baked.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken in the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken as long as it s fully thawed before mixing into the casserole. Make sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the filling from becoming watery.
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Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese alternatives, but keep in mind this will change the creamy texture. Also, check for a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade savory sauce base to keep the flavors balanced.
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What can I substitute if I don t have Ritz crackers?
Breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers work nicely as a substitute for Ritz crackers. For a gluten-free option, crushed pork rinds are a great alternative.
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Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole through step 3 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to bake it fully before serving.
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How long does the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, leftovers usually keep well for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those cozy, reliable dishes that I keep coming back to over and over. It s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to serve for guests-or just treat yourself to a little extra comfort. I promise, once you make this, the creamy, crunchy magic will have you hooked. Give it a try and enjoy all the compliments and happy bellies that come with it!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and a savory cream of chicken soup base, topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust and baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole makes for an easy family meal that’s rich in flavor and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Chicken and Dairy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the unsalted cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a creamy mixture.
- Spread Mixture in Dish: Transfer the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are fully coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- Use a rotisserie chicken for quick and convenient preparation of the cooked chicken.
- Ensure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing for the best texture; microwave for 15 to 20 seconds if needed to soften quickly.
- You can prepare the casserole through step 3, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
- If freezing, thaw completely before baking according to the instructions.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free cream of chicken soup and use crushed pork rinds instead of Ritz crackers.
- Using unsalted cream of chicken soup helps control the sodium content of the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (~1 cup)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
