The Ultimate Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar chicken casserole that promises culinary magic without breaking the bank.

Creamy textures and rich flavors blend seamlessly in every delectable bite.

Our kitchen-tested recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like pure indulgence.

Weeknight dinners transform into special occasions with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Hearty ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Skeptical about its name?

Wait until you experience the first mouthwatering forkful that explains exactly why this casserole earned its million-dollar title.

Prepare to be impressed by a recipe that delivers gourmet satisfaction without complex techniques.

Why Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Feels Luxurious

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up this creamy chicken casserole in under an hour, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without hours of prep.
• Comfort Food Champion: Loaded with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction with its rich, creamy texture that hugs your taste buds.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses simple, affordable ingredients like cream cheese, cottage cheese, and leftover chicken, making it an economical option for feeding a hungry crowd.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Easily adaptable for picky eaters by adjusting seasonings or adding extra toppings, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a hearty, satisfying meal.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Prep List

• Chicken: Hearty main protein that provides substance and flavor to the casserole, best when shredded and freshly cooked.

• Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream: Rich and tangy dairy ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious texture and add depth to the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds moisture and enhances the savory chicken flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a stretchy, mild cheese layer.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings that boost overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing other ingredients.

• Ritz Crackers: Provides a buttery, crispy crunch to contrast the creamy base.
• Butter: Helps bind and golden the cracker topping.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

• Softened cream cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir the ingredients until they form a smooth, velvety mixture that promises incredible flavor.

Step 3: Fold in the Star Ingredients

Gently incorporate shredded chicken and half of the mozzarella cheese into the creamy base, ensuring every bite will be packed with delightful textures.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the luxurious mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly to create a perfect canvas for the toppings.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cheese

Generously scatter the remaining mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a tempting golden blanket of melty goodness.

Step 6: Create the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then evenly distribute this crispy topping over the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready to devour.

Step 8: Let it Rest

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking.

This short wait helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Secrets Revealed By Pros

• Use a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Shred rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and faster preparation time.
• Crush crackers finely for a more even, crispy topping that provides perfect crunch.
• Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
• Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient dinner planning.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Check temperature before serving.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Combos

• Pair Rich Chardonnay: Select a buttery, oak-aged Chardonnay that complements the creamy, cheesy layers of the casserole, enhancing its luxurious texture and rich flavor profile.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to add nutrition and provide a crunchy, caramelized accompaniment that balances the dish's creaminess.
• Select Crusty Garlic Bread: Bake a warm, golden garlic bread to soak up the casserole's delicious sauce and offer an additional savory element that complements the chicken and cheese flavors.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Alternatives Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap Ritz crackers for crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs. Substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with diced roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup for a meat-free option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and dairy-free mozzarella cheese. Choose plant-based butter for the cracker topping to accommodate dairy restrictions.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and mix it into the creamy cheese mixture.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, remove from the fridge and bake as directed.

• What can I substitute for Ritz crackers if I don't have them?

Panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers are great alternatives. They’ll provide a similar crispy, buttery topping to the casserole.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. You can also add some chopped vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase the nutritional value.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets luxury in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, a creamy Southern classic that promises pure culinary bliss. Rich layers of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and crispy crackers make this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)

Cheeses:

• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
• 0.25 cup (4 tablespoons) butter (melted)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy base by whisking together softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup until completely smooth and free of lumps.
3. Enhance the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the creamy blend.
4. Incorporate shredded chicken into the mixture, ensuring the meat is thoroughly coated with the rich, velvety sauce.
5. Gently fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly throughout the casserole mixture.
6. Carefully transfer the entire mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a generous cheese layer that will melt and bubble during baking.
8. Prepare the crispy topping by crushing Ritz crackers and mixing them with melted butter until well combined.
9. Evenly distribute the buttery cracker crumbs across the entire surface of the casserole, creating a golden, crunchy coating.
10. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Cream cheese should be at room temperature for smooth blending to prevent lumps in the mixture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut that saves preparation time.
• Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and monitoring added salt.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg