Million Dollar Chicken Casserole has been my go-to comfort dish ever since I whipped it up on a cold weeknight when I needed something cozy, creamy, and soul-soothing. The rich, cheesy aroma filling the kitchen, the buttery Ritz cracker crunch, and that melt-in-your-mouth chicken had my family hooked at the first bite. I love creating recipes that feel like a warm hug — and this one? It’s my signature: simple ingredients, bold flavor, and no fussy steps. Whether you’re searching for an easy chicken casserole for busy weeknights or a creamy chicken bake for a family dinner, this recipe delivers every time. Think of it as the casserole that always gets asked for again (and again). Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make it.
💖 What Makes This So Irresistible
- ✅ Quick & Easy – Just 15 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup!
- ✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for potlucks, game day, or holiday meals.
- ✅ Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and reheat when needed.
- ✅ Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy – Thanks to cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar.
- ✅ Versatile – Swap out ingredients to fit your diet or taste.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole | Easy Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite topped with buttery Ritz crackers — perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, then top with remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden crust.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
- Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for variety.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-free.
- Freezes well for up to 2 months before or after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 545 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
To make this creamy and comforting casserole, you’ll need:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Dietary Swaps:
- For a lighter version: use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- For gluten-free: substitute gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds.
- For low-carb: skip the crackers and top with crushed almonds or cheese crisps.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Step by Step
🔸 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.
🔸 Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt & pepper
Tip: Use a hand mixer for an ultra-smooth texture.
🔸 Step 3: Mix in the Chicken and Cheese
Add the shredded chicken and 1½ cups cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well coated.
🔸 Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy mixture into your prepared dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
🔸 Step 5: Make the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine:
- Crushed Ritz crackers
- Melted butter
Sprinkle this buttery mixture over the casserole evenly.
🔸 Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top of the cracker crust.
🔸 Step 7: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
🔸 Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds flavor.
- Add Veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Crunch Upgrade: Use crushed cornflakes or panko for a crispier top.
- Freezer Tip: Assemble but don’t bake. Freeze up to 2 months.
Faqs:
- “Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?”
- “What is the secret to the best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?”
🥗 Best Ways to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with lighter sides works beautifully:
- 🥗 Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- 🥦 Steamed broccoli or green beans
- 🥔 Roasted baby potatoes or mashed cauliflower
- 🥖 Garlic bread or buttery rolls
Serve with: A glass of iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon.
Pair it with our Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash Salad or Easy Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 545 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 42g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Low-Carb Tip: Skip the crackers and use almond flour or flaxseed topping.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or bake at 300°F until warm.
Long-tail keyword: How long does Million Dollar Chicken Casserole last in the fridge?
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil or plastic. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but for best flavor, use shredded rotisserie or home-cooked chicken.
What cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a twist.
More Tasty Ideas to Explore
If you love this dish, you’ll want to try these next:
- Salsa Verde Grilled Chicken | Cheesy Weeknight Dinner
- Chicken Kabobs Recipe for Grilling | Easy BBQ Ideas
- Irresistible Chocolate Loaf Cake
Your Turn in the Kitchen
Now that you know how to make the best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, it’s time to bring this comforting favorite to your table.
Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this dish is sure to win hearts, fill bellies, and earn its name — Million Dollar indeed.
👇 Leave a comment below:
Have you tried this casserole? What’s your favorite add-in?
📲 Don’t forget to share it on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram — tag us with #MillionDollarCasserole!
Savor the Ending
Simple, satisfying, and worth every bite, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole proves that cozy dinners can be both delicious and easy to make.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a weekday or prepping for a big gathering, this recipe is a winner. So go ahead — preheat that oven and make something amazing tonight.
Happy cooking! 🍗💛
