If you’re searching for a hands-down crowd-pleaser that’s both ultra-creamy and impossibly easy, look no further than Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Imagine a rich, bubbly, golden-topped bake stuffed with juicy chicken, creamy cheeses, and a buttery Ritz cracker crust—your ultimate comfort food fantasy, now an everyday reality. Whether you’re hosting friends, needing a quick weeknight fix, or prepping for a family gathering, this casserole never fails to win over hearts (and appetites) every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This ingredient list is as simple as it gets—each one is hand-picked to add richness, texture, and irresistible flavor. Get ready for a lineup where every piece truly counts in making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole absolutely unforgettable.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and packs major flavor, but any cooked chicken works beautifully.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is the secret weapon for ultimate creaminess—let it come to room temperature for easiest mixing.
- Sour cream: It adds a tangy lift, balancing out all that luscious cheese.
- Cottage cheese: Brings subtle texture and keeps the casserole light instead of heavy—feel free to swap for ricotta if you prefer a silkier feel.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, buttery cheddar is essential for gooey richness in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a pop of salty, nutty sharpness for depth and flavor complexity.
- Garlic powder: This staple seasoning sneaks in savory flavor that blends seamlessly with the cheeses.
- Onion powder: One more layer of flavor—think savory and aromatic, without the work of chopping.
- Salt: Just enough to awaken all the flavors and bring out the best in the cheese and chicken.
- Black pepper: A touch of subtle heat you’ll notice in every forkful.
- Ritz crackers (crushed): About 1 sleeve delivers that signature buttery, crisp crust everyone fights over.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Mixed with the crackers, it creates the ultimate golden topping.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end for color and a little fresh herby finish.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Casserole Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Give the dish a light grease with nonstick spray or a touch of butter—this helps the casserole lift out easily and keeps those golden cheesy edges intact.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir everything together until smooth and creamy, making sure all the cheeses meld into a pillow of rich deliciousness.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Fold in your cooked, shredded chicken. Toss gently to coat every bit of chicken with that dreamy cheese mixture—this step is where the savory magic really happens. Every chunk should be perfectly smothered, so don’t rush!
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out with a spatula for even coverage, ensuring a smooth layer for the best bake and crispest topping later.
Step 5: Make the Ritz Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until every crumb is glistening, then scatter the buttery topping evenly over the casserole. This is your ticket to a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Watch for the bubbling edges and a cracker topping that’s beautifully golden—a true sign it’s ready! Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set, then top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice, lending a pop of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the rich cheese. You could also add chopped chives, a dusting of paprika, or even crispy fried onions for a little extra crunch and flavor drama.
Side Dishes
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole pairs perfectly with simple sides. Think steamed green beans, a big green salad, or roasted vegetables to lighten things up. Crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls are ideal for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for a special dinner party touch, or serve it as sliders on soft dinner rolls for a fun, crowd-friendly spin. You can also transform leftovers into a delicious filling for stuffed baked potatoes or reheated atop rice for a hearty lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole keeps beautifully! Simply let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator up to 4 days, knowing you’ll be just a gentle reheat away from creamy comfort food.
Freezing
If you want to make this casserole ahead, assemble everything as directed (but hold off on baking). Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add your cracker topping, and bake as usual—the result is just as rich and dreamy as freshly made.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For individual portions, microwave in 30-second bursts until hot, giving everything a good stir for even heat. If the cracker topping loses some crunch, simply pop under the broiler for a few minutes to revive that golden crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely—you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or even poached chicken breasts. Rotisserie adds an extra boost of flavor and saves lots of time, making this dish even more weeknight-friendly.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, ricotta makes an easy swap for a smoother, silkier texture. Both cheeses give the casserole its luxurious creaminess and protein boost, so choose your favorite.
Is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole gluten-free?
As written, the recipe isn’t fully gluten-free because of the Ritz crackers. However, you can substitute with GF butter crackers or even crushed potato chips to make this dish friendly for gluten sensitivities.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Stir in cooked broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or peas before baking—you’ll boost nutrition and make the casserole a one-dish meal without changing the creamy vibe everyone loves.
How do I keep the cracker topping crispy?
For the best crunchy topping, wait to add the buttered Ritz crumbs just before baking and serve the casserole soon after it comes out of the oven. If reheating, use the oven or broiler to revive any lost crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the talk of every potluck and weeknight table—it’s swoon-worthy comfort food, big on flavor and endlessly flexible. Give it a try and get ready to see your family’s faces light up at dinnertime. This is the dish you’ll come back to again and again!
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**Million Dollar Chicken Casserole** Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this casserole is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken: Fold in the shredded chicken until evenly coated. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until evenly combined. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a smoother texture.
- Add cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, or chopped spinach to make it a complete one-dish meal.
- This casserole also freezes well before baking—just thaw overnight before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
