Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible

There’s something magical about a casserole that combines creamy cheeses, tender chicken, and a crunchy topping. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a beloved comfort food classic that delivers indulgence in every bite. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal fuss. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, making it a favorite among both adults and kids.

The recipe’s name says it all—it tastes rich, decadent, and feels like a special treat, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Combining cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup creates a luscious, creamy base that envelops tender chunks of chicken. The Ritz cracker topping, mixed with butter, adds a satisfying crunch and golden finish that makes this casserole irresistible.

What makes this recipe so versatile is that it uses readily available ingredients while allowing room for customization. You can add vegetables like peas or broccoli, swap the Ritz crackers for panko or seasoned breadcrumbs, or even adjust the cheeses to suit your taste. Regardless of variations, the result is always a rich, flavorful casserole that’s perfect for sharing.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced home chef, this step-by-step guide will show you how to prepare a Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and golden on top every time.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted

Optional garnishes include chopped parsley or chives for added color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the garlic powder and dried onion powder, stirring to incorporate evenly. The combination of cheeses and soup creates a rich, creamy base that will coat every piece of chicken beautifully.

Step 3: Add the Chicken
Fold in the chopped cooked chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the cheese mixture. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavors and remains moist throughout baking. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired, adding a pinch of salt or black pepper if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This ensures even cooking and a uniform layer for the topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until all the crackers are coated in butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The butter helps the topping become golden and crisp in the oven, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy interior.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye on the crackers to prevent burning. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil for the last 5–10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly and makes it easier to scoop onto plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables, a green salad, or a simple bread roll to complete the meal.

Tips for a Perfect Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the mixture.
• Chop the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent cooking.
• For extra flavor, you can add ½ teaspoon of paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
• Leftover casseroles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
• For a crispier topping, use panko breadcrumbs or a mix of crushed crackers and Parmesan cheese.

Flavor Variations

• Add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or diced bell peppers to increase nutrition and color.
• Substitute cheddar or mozzarella for cream cheese for a different cheesy flavor.
• Mix in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a smoky, savory twist.
• For a lighter version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cottage cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for fresh, hot results.

Is it possible to freeze the casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds extra flavor. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and fold into the cheese mixture.

What sides go well with this casserole?
Steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, mashed potatoes, or rice complement the creamy casserole beautifully.

How can I make the topping extra crunchy?
Mix crushed crackers with Parmesan cheese, or lightly toast the topping in a skillet before sprinkling over the casserole.

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Conclusion

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and topped with a perfectly golden crunch. It’s simple to prepare, versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. With tender chicken, a rich creamy base, and buttery cracker topping, it’s easy to see why this casserole earns its “million-dollar” name. Whether served hot from the oven or stored for leftovers, this dish will satisfy your craving for hearty, comforting food any day of the week.