Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn the cozy embrace of comfort food, there’s a dish that never fails to bring warmth and joy: the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Imagine a hearty blend of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and buttery Ritz cracker topping baking to golden perfection in your oven. This delightful dish not only promises to please the whole family but also comes together with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With its rich flavors and customizable options, this casserole is bound to become a new favorite in your recipe arsenal. Are you ready to dive into a world of creamy indulgence? Let’s get cooking! Why is this casserole a must-try? Comforting warmth: This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole brings a cozy feeling, perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. Creamy indulgence: Bursting with cream cheese and cheddar, it promises a symphony of flavors that your taste buds will adore. Effortless preparation: With minimal steps and easily accessible ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, so you can spend more time enjoying it with loved ones. Customizable options: Add crispy bacon or sautéed veggies to make it your own! If you want to explore more options, check out our delicious Hawaiian Chicken Salad or sink your teeth into some Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas. Crowd-pleasing appeal: Guaranteed to impress at potlucks, this casserole will have everyone asking for the recipe. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Ingredients For the Base • Chicken – Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for the best flavor in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. • Cream Cheese – Ensure it’s softened to add that smooth creaminess we love. • Sour Cream – Adds a delightful tanginess; Greek yogurt is a great lighter substitute! • Cheddar Cheese – Choose your favorite sharp, medium, or mild for wonderful melty goodness. For the Topping • Ritz Crackers – These buttery gems create a crispy topping; try panko breadcrumbs for a different crunch. For Seasoning • Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing all the flavors together. • Optional Spices – Add garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor depth. Optional Add-ins • Crispy Bacon – A fantastic way to amp up the richness and savory taste. • Jalapeños – Spice things up with some diced jalapeños if you love a kick! • Veggies – Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli can elevate the nutrition and taste! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole will bake evenly and reach the perfect golden-brown topping. While the oven warms up, you can prepare your other ingredients, so everything is ready when it’s time to bake. Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add in 3 cups of shredded chicken, ensuring it’s well mixed. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients gently, making sure every bit of chicken is nicely coated in the creamy mixture. Step 3: Season and Add Cheese Next, sprinkle in your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder for an added flavor kick. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s evenly distributed within the mixture. This cheesy goodness will be the heart of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, giving it that irresistible creamy texture. Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the creamy chicken mixture from the bowl into the greased dish, spreading it out evenly with the spatula. This step is crucial to ensure the casserole cooks uniformly and every bite is filled with flavor. Step 5: Add the Topping Crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers and evenly sprinkle the crumbs atop the chicken mixture. The buttery, crispy topping should cover the surface entirely, creating a delicious contrast with the creamy filling. For added crunch, you may even mix in some panko breadcrumbs if preferred. Step 6: Bake the Casserole Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling, creating an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a drier casserole. Step 7: Cool and Serve Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time allows the flavors to settle, making it easier to serve. Slice into squares and enjoy your delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with your family or friends! Expert Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole • Cream Cheese Preparation: Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing to avoid unsightly lumps in the casserole. • Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes; overbaking can lead to a dry dish. Check for bubbly edges and golden top. • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. • Freezer Storage: If you have leftovers, wrap the casserole well and freeze for up to 3 months – a lifesaver for busy nights! • Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to add ingredients like crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables for a delightful twist that elevates your casserole. What to Serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Looking to create a delightful dining experience to complement the rich flavors of this creamy casserole? Simple Side Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette lightens the meal, enhancing the casserole’s richness. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of warm bread perfectly complement the creamy dish, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. Steamed Broccoli: Fresh, tender broccoli provides a colorful contrast and brings a nutritional boost, balancing the comfort food experience. Roasted Asparagus: The earthy flavors of roasted asparagus add a sophisticated touch and bring out the savory notes of the casserole. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a hearty foundation that pairs beautifully, soaking up any cheesy goodness left behind. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds freshness and a delightful texture contrast, cutting through the savoriness of the casserole. Sweet Tea: A refreshing glass of sweet tea is the perfect drink to balance the creaminess, offering a southern flair to your meal. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Finish off your comfort food feast with warm chocolate chip cookies for a sweet ending that everyone will love. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Variations Feel free to get creative and transform this casserole into your family’s favorite dish with these delightful twists! Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery touch that will make your taste buds dance. Spicy options bring a fun twist, making every bite exciting and full of flavor! Extra Protein: Crumble crispy bacon or mix in diced ham for a heartier meal. The savory addition complements the creamy filling, providing a satisfying depth that everyone will love. Veggie Delight: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition. This adds a colorful flair to your casserole and transforms it into a nutrient-packed option. More Cheese: For those who adore creamy goodness, sprinkle an additional ½ cup of your favorite cheese on top before baking. It creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that no cheese lover can resist. Italian Twist: Add Italian herbs like basil and oregano, and swap cheddar with mozzarella for a comforting pasta-like flavor. You’ll find a whole new level of comfort in every delicious bite. Healthier Choice: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess. This swap still delivers great taste while giving you a guilt-free indulgence. Crunchy Topping: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed potato chips or even panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. The texture will elevate your casserole, making it even more delightful to dig into. For those looking for more delicious dishes, consider trying our easy Sticky Chicken Rice or enjoy a refreshing Chicken Bacon Ranch Chopped Salad. Happy cooking! Make Ahead Options These Million Dollar Chicken Casserole can be a lifesaver for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply mix your cream cheese, sour cream, chicken, and seasonings, then spread it in a greased baking dish and top with crushed Ritz crackers. Cover with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature before placing it in the oven. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious, creamy comfort food with minimal effort on busy weeknights! How to Store and Freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; it’s perfect for a quick reheat when cravings strike! Freezer: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes, for that fresh-baked taste! Make-Ahead: Assembled casserole can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours; just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for the casserole? Absolutely! Freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken is the best choice for this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds a wonderful depth of flavor. If you’re using uncooked chicken, simply bake or poach it until fully cooked and shred it before adding to the mixture. How should I store leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? Very straightforward! Place your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This not only keeps the casserole fresh but also makes it super convenient for quick meals during the week. Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? Absolutely! To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. What should I do if the casserole is too dry? If you find your casserole turns out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to monitor the cooking time closely; it should be golden brown and bubbly. If you’re reheating leftovers, try adding a splash of chicken broth or a dollop of sour cream to help restore some moisture before warming it up again. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Definitely! If you’re making this casserole for guests, inquire about allergies, particularly to dairy or gluten. You can easily substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use gluten-free crackers to make it accessible for those with dietary restrictions. As always, it’s essential to tailor it to your loved ones’ needs! Can I prepare the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop it straight into the preheated oven; remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, since it will be chilled when it starts cooking. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Creamy Family Favorite This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy dish that combines tender chicken, cheese, and a crispy topping, perfect for family gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Base3 cups cooked shredded chicken Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for best flavor.8 oz cream cheese Ensure it's softened.1 cup sour cream Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Choose your favorite sharp, medium, or mild.For the Topping1 sleeve Ritz crackers These create a crispy topping.For Seasoning1 tsp salt1 tsp pepperoptional spices Add garlic powder or onion powder if desired.Optional Add-ins1 cup crispy bacon For an added savory taste.1 cup diced jalapeños For some spice.1 cup sautéed veggies Mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli work well. Equipment Ovenmixing bowlBaking dishspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add shredded chicken and mix well.Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and any optional spices, then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, pour in the mixture, and spread it evenly.Crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers and sprinkle on top of the chicken mixture.Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 1.5mg NotesEnsure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it or freeze leftovers for later use. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
