If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust, this casserole is a fantastic blend of rich flavors and textures that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s simple to make but delivers that “million dollar” wow factor every time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of creaminess, heartiness, and crunch. The beautiful harmony between the savory chicken, smooth cheeses, and crisp topping ensures every spoonful bursts with flavor and satisfying texture.
- Chopped cooked chicken (4½ cups): The hearty protein base that keeps this dish filling and flavorful.
- Cream cheese, room temperature (4 oz): Adds luscious creaminess and a slight tang that marries beautifully with the other cheeses.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Boosts the dish’s moisture and tenderness without weighing it down.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Provides a creamy, tangy edge while enhancing the casserole’s smooth texture.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Acts as the glue that brings everything together with rich flavor and silky consistency.
- Garlic powder (¼ tsp): A subtle seasoning that elevates the savory profile with a whisper of earthiness.
- Dried onion powder (¼ tsp): Adds background depth and a mild bite to balance the creamy mix.
- Ritz crackers, crushed (1 sleeve): The secret to that iconic crunchy topping everyone loves.
- Butter, melted (5 Tbsp): Helps brown and crisp the cracker topping while adding richness.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple prep step ensures your casserole will slide out perfectly when it’s done baking, making serving a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture. This blend is where the magic happens, uniting the savory and creamy elements that give the casserole its irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Topping
Take your crushed Ritz crackers and mix them with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This step is crucial because the butter allows the crackers to crisp up beautifully, creating that coveted golden crust on top of your casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the entire surface. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is a tantalizing golden brown. The aromas that fill your kitchen at this stage are guaranteed to get everyone excited to dig in.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole is spectacular on its own, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives gives a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully. A dash of cracked black pepper on top just before serving can add a subtle kick as well.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich and creamy casserole with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. Simple sides like roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or even a vibrant coleslaw help complement the casserole without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, consider scooping individual portions into small ramekins and topping each with a miniature cracker crust. This adds a lovely touch of elegance and makes serving effortless. Another fun idea is placing spoonfuls onto fresh bread slices for a unique open-faced casserole sandwich that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinner seconds.
Freezing
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. For best results, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350ºF oven until heated through and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Adding a little extra time uncovered helps restore the cracker topping’s crispness, so don’t skip that step!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole with leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to repurpose extra meat, and it works wonderfully in this recipe, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to use other types of cheese?
While the combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream is key to the signature creaminess, you can experiment by adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a different twist.
Can I substitute the Ritz crackers with something else?
Yes, crushed buttery crackers or even seasoned breadcrumbs can work as a topping. Just be sure to mix with melted butter to get that perfect crispy finish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses Ritz crackers, which contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, swap them for gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs.
How spicy is this dish?
This casserole is mild and comforting with subtle savory notes. If you prefer a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe truly lives up to its name with its rich, creamy flavors and delightful textures wrapped up in effortless preparation. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try soon and watch it become a new staple in your dinner rotation — your family and friends will be asking for seconds and the recipe!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish packed with tender cooked chicken, a blend of cheeses, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. This comforting casserole comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside for later use.
- Mix Chicken and Dairy Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and unsalted cream of chicken soup until well blended. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this casserole.
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables like celery or green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
