Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Worth Every Bite

Creamy comfort meets culinary magic in this mouthwatering million dollar chicken casserole that promises to steal the show at your next dinner.

Rich layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with a velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

Cheesy goodness and crispy edges make this dish an instant crowd-pleaser for everyone around the table.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors that dance between creamy, savory, and utterly irresistible.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients transform into something spectacular with minimal effort.

The secret blend of ingredients creates a luxurious texture that elevates this casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to be amazed by a recipe that turns weeknight dinners into memorable feasts that everyone will request again and again.

Why Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Lives Up to Its Name

• A hearty, creamy casserole that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep hunger with its rich, cheesy goodness.
• Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this dish perfect for busy families or last-minute gatherings, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Works brilliantly as a main course for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers, appealing to both kids and adults with its familiar, delicious taste.
• Combines protein, cheese, and crispy topping in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making mealtime stress-free for home cooks.

What Goes into Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Cooked Chicken: The star of the casserole that provides a hearty and satisfying protein base for the dish.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: These ingredients create a rich and smooth texture that makes the casserole incredibly creamy and indulgent.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: These soups add depth of flavor and help bind the casserole together.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses provide a melty, cheesy goodness that adds richness to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, adding warmth and complexity.

• Ritz Crackers, Butter: The buttery cracker topping creates a crispy and golden crust that adds a delightful crunch to the creamy casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Kitchen Gear for a Creamy Chicken Casserole

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining chicken and other ingredients smoothly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for spreading and baking the casserole evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Needed for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese Grater: Great for grating fresh cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps blend ingredients thoroughly.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping fresh parsley garnish.
• Sharp Knife: For precise parsley chopping.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Baking Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Step by Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Warm your oven to a cozy 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Chicken Magic

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until it becomes a dreamy, creamy mixture that makes your mouth water.

Step 3: Layer the Goodness

Pour your spectacular chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly like a smooth blanket across the pan.

Step 4: Create the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until they’re perfectly combined.

Sprinkle this crunchy golden mixture over the chicken layer, creating a mouthwatering crown.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bubble and brown for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges are bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Dig in and enjoy your million-dollar-worthy meal!

Chicken Casserole: Tips for Rich, Savory Results

• Replace chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or shredded pork for a different flavor profile and variety in your meals.
• Use low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduced-fat mayonnaise to create a lighter version of the casserole.
• Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dried basil to add extra depth and complexity to the chicken mixture.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Million Dollar Casserole: Fun Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes. Use gluten-free cream of chicken and mushroom soups to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or jackfruit. Replace chicken-based soups with mushroom or vegetable cream soups for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace some cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Sprinkle taco seasoning into the chicken mixture for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Serving Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for Any Crowd

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty casserole alongside crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Protein Power Partner: Pair with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience that maximizes nutrition.
• Family-Style Feast: Set the casserole in the center of the table and let everyone scoop their own portion, creating a warm and inviting mealtime atmosphere.
• Weekend Potluck Star: Bring this dish to gatherings where comfort food reigns supreme, guaranteed to impress friends and family with its rich, creamy texture.

Storing Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for Later Meals

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before transferring to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp topping.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the chicken mixture.

• Is it okay to use different types of crackers for the topping?

Absolutely! While Ritz crackers are traditional, you can substitute with butter crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy texture.

• How can I make this dish more healthy?

Consider using low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat soups, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to lower the calorie content while maintaining great flavor.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it crispy.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Million dollar chicken casserole brings comfort and classic flavors to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy layers combine with tender chicken for a satisfying meal that delights family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken, shredded

Dairy and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 2 cups (220 grams) crushed Ritz crackers
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded cooked chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, both condensed soups, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and all seasonings until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
4. Create the crispy topping by combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, stirring until the crackers are completely coated and appear slightly glossy.
5. Liberally sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken layer, covering the entire casserole with a uniform layer of crumbs.
6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown cracker top and bubbling edges that indicate the dish is heated through.
7. Once finished, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap out regular Ritz crackers for gluten-free versions to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost protein content and reduce overall fat while maintaining creamy texture.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium condensed soups and controlling added salt during preparation.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to increase nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 901 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg