Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a cozy, creamy casserole that instantly turns an ordinary night at home into a family celebration. This dish smothers tender shredded chicken in a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and gooey melted cheeses, then crowns everything with a buttery Ritz cracker topping. The result is a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s rich, satisfying, and downright irresistible. Trust me, this casserole shows off its “million dollar” reputation with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need to overthink the grocery list—the ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole might already be sitting in your kitchen. Each one has a special job, from providing that beloved creamy foundation to adding the perfect pop of salt, crunch, or color.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here, delivering juicy, flavorful bites without any extra effort.
- Cream cheese (softened): The backbone of the sauce, bringing a smooth, silky texture and subtle tang.
- Sour cream: Brightens up the creamy base with just enough acidity for balance.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and makes the casserole impossibly luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully throughout for extra cheesy goodness in every forkful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Deepens flavor and provides a nutty, salty note that cuts through the creaminess.
- Garlic powder: Simple, savory, and the fastest way to add gentle garlicky flavor.
- Onion powder: Delivers mellow onion undertones without any chopping or tears.
- Salt: Essential for amplifying all the creamy, cheesy flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and a little bite to round out the taste.
- Ritz crackers (crushed): The secret to that crunchy, buttery topping everyone fights over.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Coats the crackers, ensuring a golden, crisp finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful sprinkle that’s perfect for garnishing before serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which guarantees the perfect balance of melty insides and crispy topping. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole slides out easily and the edges don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well incorporated and as smooth as possible—you want a dreamy base for your chicken.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Fold the cooked, shredded chicken into your creamy mixture. Be gentle and patient so each piece gets thoroughly coated, guaranteeing every bite of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Assemble in the Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula for even baking. This simple step ensures that every bite scoops up all the creamy goodness.
Step 5: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a small bowl until every crumb is coated. This buttery blend will transform into a golden crust once it goes in the oven.
Step 6: Sprinkle, Bake, and Rest
Evenly sprinkle the cracker topping across the casserole. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until everything is bubbling at the edges and the top is perfectly golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes so it sets up and slices beautifully.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
The final flourish is a sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley over your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Not only does it add a bright pop of color, but it also introduces a clean, fresh note that complements the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling creative, you could add thinly sliced green onions or even a sprinkling of crispy bacon pieces on top for extra flair.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is wonderfully creamy and comforting, I love pairing it with something fresh and vibrant. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or steaming green beans works wonders. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or even buttery peas make it a well-rounded meal without much extra effort.
Creative Ways to Present
For a potluck or brunch, try baking your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned servings. For family-style dinners, serve right from the baking dish at the table—you’ll love seeing everyone dig in. Leftover casserole also makes fantastic sliders: just spoon some onto a soft bun, top with extra cheese, and pop under the broiler for a minute!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making lunches or quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
This casserole is perfect for freezing! Wrap the fully assembled (but unbaked) dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then stash it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes for a full dish). For individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave works great. If you want to restore the crunch, remove the foil for the last few minutes in the oven or pop under the broiler briefly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are classic, you can swap in mozzarella for extra stretchiness or try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Just make sure your cheese of choice melts well.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a popular shortcut, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work—boiled, baked, or even leftover grilled chicken. The key is to shred it well so it mixes smoothly with the creamy base.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of chopped spinach, steamed broccoli, peas, or even some sautéed mushrooms for more nutrition and color. Just make sure they’re cooked or blanched to avoid extra moisture.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers or use crushed potato chips as the topping. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure everything is gluten-free.
Can I assemble Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole (minus the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as usual. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Final Thoughts
If you love creamy comfort food with an irresistibly crunchy topping, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that people ask you for the recipe before the meal is even over! Grab those simple ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a dinner that truly lives up to its name.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. With a decadent mix of cheeses, tender shredded chicken, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add chicken: Fold in the shredded chicken until well combined, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon, chopped green onions, or a handful of spinach for extra flavor.
- This casserole pairs well with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
