Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Bake with Buttery Ritz Crust
There are recipes that become instant classics in every household — the kind you make once and then suddenly find yourself making over and over again. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is one of those recipes. With its creamy, cheesy base, tender shredded chicken, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, it’s the perfect comfort food that feels indulgent without being complicated.
This casserole has been called “million dollar” not because it’s expensive, but because it tastes so rich, so satisfying, and so luxurious that it feels like it’s worth a million bucks. It’s a dish that pleases kids and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or potlucks.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this dish: the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks for success, variations to keep things exciting, storage tips, and serving ideas. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need can be found at the local grocery store.
Quick to Make: With a short prep time, this recipe is weeknight-friendly.
Versatile: Can be customized with veggies, different cheeses, or even a little spice.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this delicious casserole:
4 cups cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and adds extra flavor.
8 oz cream cheese, softened – Provides the creamy, luxurious base.
1 cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Binds everything together.
½ cup mayonnaise – Enhances the richness.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
1 tsp garlic powder – Adds flavor depth.
1 tsp onion powder – Balances the richness.
Salt & black pepper – Adjust to taste.
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed – For the buttery, crunchy topping.
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Coats the crackers perfectly.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir or beat until smooth and well blended.
3. Add Chicken and Cheese
Fold in the shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
5. Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are coated.
6. Add Topping & Extra Cheese
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture, then add the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
8. Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps.
Don’t skip the topping – the buttery Ritz crackers make the dish irresistible.
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for a smoother melt.
Season to taste – taste the creamy mixture before baking to ensure it has enough salt and pepper.
Add texture – stir in some cooked veggies like broccoli or peas for more variety.
Variations
This casserole is extremely versatile. Try these variations to suit your taste:
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with Bacon – Add crispy bacon bits into the filling or sprinkle on top.
Tex-Mex Twist – Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese, and add a can of green chiles.
Veggie Boost – Stir in peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Buffalo Style – Add buffalo sauce to the mixture and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Low-Carb Option – Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping.
What to Serve With It
Since Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is rich and filling, it pairs well with lighter sides. Here are some ideas:
Fresh green salad with vinaigrette.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
Rice or mashed potatoes if you want an extra hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 545 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when ready.
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely. This is a great way to use leftover turkey after Thanksgiving.
Q: What other crackers can I use for the topping?
A: Ritz is the classic choice, but you can also use Town House crackers, saltines, or even panko breadcrumbs.
Q: Can I make this casserole healthier?
A: Yes! Swap full-fat ingredients for light versions (light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, or Greek yogurt instead of mayo).
Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table. It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and comforting — exactly what you want when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. The best part? It’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for family gatherings.
Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to casserole that everyone requests again and again. Because after all, anything that tastes this rich and comforting is truly worth a million dollars.