If you’re searching for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is your answer. This creamy, cheesy, and slightly crunchy casserole blends tender chicken with rich cheeses and a buttery cracker topping, delivering layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a potluck centerpiece, this casserole brings simple ingredients together in a way that tastes anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each component plays a vital role, from the creamy cheeses adding richness and tang to the Ritz crackers creating that irresistible golden crunch on top.
- Chopped cooked chicken: The hearty base of the casserole, providing protein and a meaty texture.
- Cream cheese: Brings a luscious creaminess that binds everything together smoothly.
- Cottage cheese: Adds a mild tang and a subtle curdy texture to enhance the dish’s creaminess.
- Sour cream: Offers a slight tang and richness that balances the flavors perfectly.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: A classic binder that infuses the casserole with savory depth.
- Garlic powder: Gives a gentle, aromatic hint of garlic without overpowering the dish.
- Dried onion powder: Adds a subtle layer of sweet onion flavor to complement the creaminess.
- Ritz crackers, crushed: For that golden, buttery, crunchy topping we all love.
- Butter, melted: Helps the cracker topping crisp up beautifully and adds a rich buttery flavor.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and lightly spraying a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple but essential step ensures your casserole will come out perfectly and cleanly when baked.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, blend together the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and cream of chicken soup until everything is evenly mixed. This creamy mixture is the heart and soul of your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe, melding soft textures with savory flavors that create incredible comfort food.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken Mixture
Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s distributed smoothly for even cooking and to create that satisfying creamy layer that everyone will crave.
Step 4: Add the Signature Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring until the crackers are well coated. Sprinkle this golden, buttery mixture evenly over the top of the chicken layer. This topping is what truly sets the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe apart, adding texture and flavor that makes every bite a delight.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the filling is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown. The waiting is the hardest part because the aroma floating through your kitchen will be absolutely mouthwatering.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and a little added brightness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the hot casserole just before serving. These garnishes not only elevate the presentation but also add a subtle fresh flavor that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp garden salads or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The lightness of the sides complements the rich creaminess of the casserole, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving portions in mini ramekins for a charming individual presentation. Alternatively, a rustic cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for serving straight from the oven, making the dish feel even more homey and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, and it reheats beautifully while maintaining its creamy and crunchy textures with just a quick reheat.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven experience any night of the week.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350ºF oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cracker topping again, preserving that signature crunch we all adore.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut and adds plenty of flavor, making your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe even easier to prepare.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker or crushed gluten-free cereal, and double-check your cream of chicken soup to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Diced cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms make excellent additions to add some color and nutrients without overwhelming the creamy texture.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade, a simple sauce made with chicken broth, a bit of flour or cornstarch, and milk with seasoning can work just as well to maintain moisture and flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or small gathering.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting—and doesn’t take forever to whip up. Every spoonful is creamy, flavorful, and topped with that perfect golden crunch. Give it a try at your next mealtime; your taste buds and dinner guests will thank you.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with rich cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and savory cream of chicken soup. Topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is perfect for an easy family dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until all ingredients are well blended and creamy.
- Spread Mixture: Pour and evenly spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, even layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving to let it set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftovers works great for this casserole.
- For a lower sodium option, choose reduced sodium cream of chicken soup and unsalted butter.
- You can substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed breadcrumbs or crushed crackers of your choice.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it hold together better when serving.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
