If you are craving a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This casserole brings together tender chunks of chicken, creamy cheeses, and a crispy buttery cracker topping to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that feel indulgent yet homey. Each bite is rich and satisfying, making it a perfect family meal or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become one of your absolute favorites for easy weeknight dinners or cozy weekend feasts.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you get layers of creamy, savory goodness topped with a delightfully crunchy crust. Each component is carefully chosen to add depth, creaminess, and just the right amount of seasoning that turns this into a show-stopping dish.

4½ cups chopped cooked chicken: This is the hearty base, providing tender protein and a satisfying bite.
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature: Adds rich creaminess and helps bind everything together smoothly.
1 cup cottage cheese: Contributes moisture and a subtle tang that balances the richness.
½ cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess and gives a slight tang to brighten the flavors.
1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret to moistness and a luscious savory element.
¼ tsp garlic powder: Adds gentle warmth and depth without overpowering.
¼ tsp dried onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and complexity to the mix.
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed: Creates the buttery, crunchy topping that makes every bite special.
5 Tbsp butter, melted: Binds the cracker topping and provides golden crispiness.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray so your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out just perfect, every time.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped cooked chicken, room temperature cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and the can of unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup. Stir everything together until it’s fully blended and smooth. This mixture is what gives the casserole its signature rich and creamy texture.

Step 3: Spread the Mixture in the Dish

Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form an even layer. This ensures your casserole cooks uniformly and every spoonful is filled with goodness.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Once combined, sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer. This topping bakes into a golden, crunchy crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling underneath.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cracker topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking — this allows everything to set and makes it easier to serve.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little finely chopped chives adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the casserole. Not only does it brighten the plate visually, but it also lifts the overall flavor with a subtle herbal note.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads to offset the richness with refreshing crunch. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans are also wonderful side stars that add color and nutritious balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family dinner, serve straight from the baking dish with a large serving spoon. For dinner parties, consider plating individual portions with a drizzle of tangy hot sauce or a dollop of sour cream on the side for guests to customize. Serve on pretty casserole plates and add a lemon wedge for a subtle zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. This makes it great for preparing ahead or enjoying as quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze it before baking by assembling everything in a freezer-safe dish and covering tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating the whole casserole, cover it with foil to prevent drying and warm at 350ºF (177ºC) until hot throughout, about 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves you time and adds extra flavor from the seasoned, cooked meat. Just be sure to chop it finely for even distribution.

Is there a substitute for Ritz crackers?

You can swap Ritz crackers for any buttery, crunchy cracker or even crushed buttery pretzels for a different texture. Just keep the buttery topping concept for that magical crunch.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Feel free to mix in cooked peas, carrots, or broccoli into the chicken mixture before baking. This adds color, nutrients, and extra texture to the dish.

What if I don’t have cream cheese at room temperature?

Soften cream cheese quickly by microwaving it in short bursts (about 10 seconds) or leaving it on the counter for a bit before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly into the casserole.

Is the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses Ritz crackers, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free crackers and verify that your soup and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe — a dish that brings comfort, richness, and a delightful crunch all in one. Whether you are cooking for your family or surprising guests with a homemade classic, this casserole never disappoints. So go ahead, give it a try and discover why it’s a treasured recipe to keep coming back to again and again.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 76 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and seasoned cream of chicken soup. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s the perfect hearty meal for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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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 Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the unsalted cream of chicken soup until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer across the bottom.
Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Evenly sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the chicken layer to create a crispy crust.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.
Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.