Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Posted on May 27, 2025

Craving a cozy, creamy, and oh-so-delicious dinner that feels like a warm hug? This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is your new weeknight hero! Loaded with tender chicken, a rich cream cheese mixture, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this dish tastes like a million bucks but takes just minutes to prep. It’s one of those effortless casseroles that’s fancy enough for company but easy enough for a busy Tuesday night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a total game-changer for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike. It’s packed with flavor, super creamy, and irresistibly satisfying. You only need a few pantry staples, and there’s minimal prep involved—just mix, layer, and bake! The combination of shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and that golden cracker topping is pure comfort food magic. Plus, it’s picky-eater approved and easy to double for potlucks or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

You’ll love how simple and accessible the ingredients are for this recipe. Most of them you probably already have in your fridge or pantry! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy, dreamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken 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
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
4 tablespoons melted butter
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Making this casserole couldn’t be easier! Just mix, layer, and bake for a rich and comforting dinner everyone will rave about. Here’s how to put it all together:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the chicken: Fold in the shredded chicken until it’s fully coated in the creamy mixture.
Assemble the casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top with crackers: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This casserole is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s hearty, filling, and stretches beautifully.

Servings: 6–8 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying leftovers for lunch, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole delivers every time.

Tips and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun and easy ways to mix it up:

Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey, cooked ground chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch.
Add veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach to sneak in some greens.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little kick.
Cheese it up: Try a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of parmesan.
Low-carb option: Skip the cracker topping and bake with extra cheese on top instead!
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole stores beautifully and makes for a delicious next-day meal.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.
Freezer: You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed (or reheat if already baked).
Reheating tip: Add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating to keep it creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Canned chicken works well in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly before mixing it in.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

3. What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Use a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment to shred warm, cooked chicken in seconds.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker or breadcrumb.

5. Is there a dairy-free version?
You can try dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese alternatives, though the texture may vary slightly.

6. Can I add pasta or rice to the casserole?
Sure! Stir in 2 cups of cooked pasta or rice for an even heartier meal.

7. What sides go well with this casserole?
It pairs great with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite comfort food: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! Creamy, cheesy, and topped with that buttery cracker crunch, it’s everything you want in a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want some amazing leftovers, this recipe is a total winner. Best of all, it’s quick to throw together and endlessly customizable.

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