Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that absolutely wows every time it hits the table, let me introduce you to the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. This creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting casserole has all the right layers of flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks. With tender shredded chicken, a luscious blend of cheeses, and a buttery, crunchy cracker topping, this recipe truly lives up to its glamorous name. Once you try this casserole, it will become one of your go-to recipes for a deliciously satisfying meal that feels like a special treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the list of ingredients intimidate you—each one is simple, accessible, and plays a crucial role in achieving the rich and harmonious flavors in this casserole. From the creamy sauces to the perfectly seasoned chicken and the crunchy topping, every element balances texture and taste beautifully.

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Provides the hearty, savory base packed with protein for the casserole.
• 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that keeps the filling luscious and moist.
• 1 cup mayonnaise: Enhances richness and smooth texture between layers of chicken and cheese.
• 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup: Acts as a velvety binder that boosts the comforting flavor.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, classic cheese taste with melty goodness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives a stretchy, gooey cheese pull and smooth mild flavor.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty punch that deepens the flavor profile.
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (about 1 sleeve): Creates the coveted crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Helps the cracker topping brown beautifully and adds richness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory aromatic essence that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides subtle depth and savory sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note for extra flavor complexity.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and balance all flavors perfectly.
• Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal touch.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden top. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Cheese Filling

Now, in a large bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, and all three cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, well-blended mixture that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the luscious chicken and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly so every inch gets that creamy, cheesy goodness, which means every serving will be just as delightful as the first.

Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, toss the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is coated. This step is crucial because the butter ensures that golden-brown, crispy texture that makes the topping irresistible.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Sprinkle your buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer. This will form a crunchy, flavorful crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling beneath.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the casserole bubbles happily around the edges, signaling all those incredible flavors have melded together.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, give your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe a few minutes to rest. This allows everything to set and the flavors to intensify. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley across the top for a bright splash of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a simple yet elegant finishing touch that adds a pop of green and a mild, fresh flavor. You might also try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or even some finely sliced green onions for a bit more zing and crunch.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed lightly with vinaigrette, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a helping of buttery mashed potatoes for an extra cozy meal. The sides provide fresh or light contrasts to complement the creamy richness of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personal servings. You could also sprinkle the topping with a bit of paprika or smoked paprika for a pop of warm color and subtle smoky flavor that guests will admire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap tightly in foil then place in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as described.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions or the whole casserole in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F until heated through—usually about 20-25 minutes for portions, longer for the full dish. Cover loosely with foil to prevent excess browning, removing the foil near the end for a nice crisp top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully cook and shred the chicken before mixing it into the casserole. Using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken also works perfectly to save time.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy-free sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheeses to make a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ slightly, but it will still be delicious and creamy.

Can I add vegetables to the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe?

Yes! Adding finely chopped or steamed veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms can be a nutritious and tasty boost to the casserole. Just be sure not to add too much liquid to keep the texture spot-on.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Bake until the top is golden and crispy and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The bubbling indicates the filling is hot and cooked through, which usually takes about 40 minutes.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely. Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans. Just monitor the baking time closely as it might take a little longer to heat through evenly.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of comforting familiar flavors and satisfying textures that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a weekday meal. I hope you enjoy the gooey cheese, tender chicken, and that irresistible crunchy topping as much as I do. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite casserole!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 25 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish loaded with shredded chicken, a blend of cheeses, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole combines savory flavors with a satisfying texture baked to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Cheese Filling

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 10.75 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cracker Topping

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (about 1 sleeve)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Chicken and Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniformly mixed.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
4. Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted unsalted butter, stirring until the crackers are fully coated with butter for a crispy topping.
5. Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken mixture in the baking dish to create a crunchy and flavorful crust.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the cracker topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
7. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese.
• Make sure the topping is evenly spread for uniform browning.
• This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase bake time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American