Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
If comfort food had a dollar value, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe would be worth every penny! Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly topped with buttery Ritz crackers, it brings hearty satisfaction straight to your dinner table. The flavors meld perfectly, creating a show-stopping meal for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday suppers. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this is one dish that’s always worthy of a second helping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity, but every ingredient plays a role in making it rich, creamy, and truly special. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you shouldn’t leave anything out.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or poached chicken adds hearty flavor and saves lots of time.
- Cream cheese: Softer is better, creating a luxurious base that holds everything together.
- Sour cream: Adds perfect tanginess and keeps the mixture super smooth.
- Mayonnaise: Gives depth and a creamy, velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers melty, stretchy cheese power that makes every bite spectacular.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty notes and a punch of zest to balance the rich flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory backbone without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Boosts flavor, lending warmth and sweet undertones.
- Black pepper: A tiny dash for a mild kick and aromatic lift.
- Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Ritz crackers: Once crushed and toasted, these create the crackly, buttery crown everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with crackers for that golden, mouthwatering crunch.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and color—highly recommended!
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage so your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe emerges bubbly, perfectly baked, and nothing sticks to the pan!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a big mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything blends together into a dreamy, creamy mixture—this is where all the magic happens!
Step 3: Fold in the Chicken
Gently add your shredded chicken into the creamy base, using a spatula or big spoon to fold until every piece is coated. Take care not to over-mix—you want every bite to have just the right mix of chicken and cheesy filling.
Step 4: Assemble in the Dish
Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks thick—this casserole bakes up perfectly luscious and satisfying.
Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers with melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are glistening and fully coated. This topping transforms into a golden crust in the oven, making every bite completely irresistible.
Step 6: Add the Topping and Bake
Scatter the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Slide the casserole into your oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling bubbles and the crackers are golden brown.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle chopped parsley over the hot casserole before serving. It adds a pop of fresh flavor and makes your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe presentation even more inviting!
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley gives this casserole a burst of color and freshness. Feel free to add a dusting of extra Parmesan, a dash of black pepper, or even sliced green onions for another layer of flavor and visual appeal. Each finishing touch accentuates the creamy, cheesy profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines alongside crisp green salads tossed in vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or pan-sautéed green beans. For a heartier meal, pair it with buttery mashed potatoes or simple steamed rice to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning individual servings into ramekins for a dinner party, or serve it family-style with serving spoons right out of the baking dish. For potlucks or buffets, pre-slice the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe into squares for easy grab-and-go bites—bonus points for personally garnished slices!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This casserole actually tastes even richer the next day, as the flavors have melded together even more.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. You can freeze it before baking or after, but wait to add the cracker topping until ready to bake for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake. For smaller servings, the microwave also works nicely—just add a spoonful of water and cover to keep it moist!
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken leftovers, or even leftover roast pork for a fun twist. Just shred or dice your protein of choice to ensure it mixes in beautifully.
Is there a gluten-free option for this casserole?
Yes, you can make this gluten-free by swapping the Ritz crackers for your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers. All the creamy ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.
Can I add vegetables to the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Definitely. Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, or even a handful of frozen peas during step 3. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies and add color!
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
The easiest method is to use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment—just add warm cooked chicken breasts and mix on low for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, two forks work just fine, or pick up a rotisserie chicken for maximum speed and flavor.
Can I make this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe in advance?
You bet! Assemble everything (except the cracker topping) up to a day ahead, store covered in the fridge, then top with crackers and bake when ready. It’s perfect for planning ahead for guests or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, reliable, and utterly delicious crowd-pleaser, the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—there’s a reason it always disappears fast! Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews at your table.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. A comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheeses, spices, and chicken until well blended.
- Spread in baking dish: Evenly spread the chicken mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can add bacon bits or green onions for extra flavor.
- Pairs well with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
