Hey y'all! Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food—Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This rich, creamy dish is loaded with juicy chicken, two types of cheese, and a crunchy cracker topping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a cozy weeknight meal, or impressing guests at a potluck, this casserole brings decadence and warmth to any table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Quick and easy—just a few simple steps and ingredients you probably already have.
- Creamy, cheesy texture with a savory, golden cracker topping for ultimate comfort.
- Perfect make-ahead meal—freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or leftovers.
- Family-friendly flavors that even picky eaters love!
Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full or low-fat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (1 sleeve) buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light layer of butter.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and well-blended. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Fold in the shredded or cubed cooked chicken until evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a medium bowl, stir together the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole filling.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a deeply golden crust on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with parsley.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Notes & Cooking Tips
- If you’re short on time, use a rotisserie chicken for quick prep. Learn more about safe chicken handling at USDA Food Safety.
- Don’t skip softening the cream cheese—it blends much better and creates a creamier filling.
- For a lighter casserole, use low-fat cottage cheese and reduced-fat sour cream.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and a handful of chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets or ½ cup diced bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free buttery crackers.
Required Equipment for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- 9x13-inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap the cooled casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until hot. Read more about leftover storage safety.
Pairings & Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for balance.
- Pair with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to scoop up every creamy bite.
- Finish with a simple fruit salad for a fresh, sweet touch.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- For extra crunch, mix in a handful of slivered almonds or pecans with your cracker topping. Try this cheese guide to explore more add-in ideas.
- Let the casserole rest for at least 5 minutes after baking—it helps everything set.
- If making ahead, assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking for best texture.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole FAQ
- Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
- Absolutely! It saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Can I assemble Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; add the topping right before baking.
- Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?
- You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta cheese or even use all sour cream, though it changes the texture slightly.
Prep & Cooking Times
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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2In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
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3Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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4In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the buttery crackers evenly over the casserole.
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5Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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6Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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