Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

When comfort food calls, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole answers with creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible flavor. Packed with tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, sour cream, and buttery Ritz cracker topping, this dish tastes like a million bucks but is surprisingly easy on your wallet and time. It’s the kind of meal you serve to impress guests, feed a hungry family, or treat yourself on a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra Creamy: Cream cheese and sour cream make every bite luxuriously smooth.
  • Crispy Topping: Buttery Ritz crackers add a perfect crunch contrast.
  • Super Easy: No-fuss ingredients and minimal prep.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Great to make ahead or double up for later.
  • Versatile: Add veggies or swap ingredients to make it your own.

Ingredients in Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Casserole Base:

  • 3 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 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Topping:

  • 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Measurements may be adjusted based on your baking dish size.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the creamy filling
In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Fold in the chicken
Add shredded chicken to the mixture and stir until well coated.

4. Assemble the casserole
Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

5. Add the topping
In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

7. Garnish & serve
Let rest a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if using and serve warm.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

  • Serves: 6
  • Calories per serving: ~480–550 (varies by cheese and cracker amount)

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or serve alongside:

  • Steamed broccoli or green beans
  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls
  • Roasted carrots or glazed baby potatoes

Tips for Success

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
  • Soften cream cheese fully so it blends smoothly with no lumps.
  • Try adding extras like bacon bits, chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
  • Bake in individual ramekins for personal-size portions.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add the cracker topping just before baking.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble without baking and freeze (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

3. What’s the best chicken to use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is the easiest, but any cooked chicken breast or thighs work well.

4. Can I make this low carb?
Yes skip the crackers or use crushed pork rinds for the topping and ensure your soup and other ingredients are low-carb.

5. Is there a substitute for Ritz crackers?
Panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or Club crackers also work well.

6. What cheese melts best in this recipe?
Cheddar gives flavor and melt; mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be mixed in for extra gooeyness.

7. Can I add veggies?
Definitely! Try frozen peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms mixed into the filling.

8. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt is a great alternative.

9. What size dish should I use?
A 9×13-inch baking dish works best. You can also use two 8×8 dishes if doubling or freezing.

10. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole isn’t just a clever name it truly delivers that rich, creamy, ultra-satisfying flavor that’ll make everyone ask for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cozy and comforting, this dish is a foolproof favorite that feels fancy with minimal effort. One bite, and you’ll know exactly why it’s worth every single calorie!

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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s both budget-friendly and family-approved. Loaded with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this baked dish tastes like a million bucks with minimal effort!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Stir in the shredded chicken until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until combined.
  6. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a great post-holiday meal.
  • Add cooked broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
  • This casserole can be assembled ahead and baked when ready to serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: million dollar chicken, chicken casserole, creamy baked chicken, easy dinner, ritz cracker topping

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