Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole (unbaked), wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option, but any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat works perfectly for this casserole.

Can I use something other than Ritz crackers?

Yes, you can substitute Ritz crackers with crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a different crunch and flavor.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite topped with buttery Ritz crackers — perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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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