Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a rich and creamy casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table, look no further than this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. With tender shredded chicken, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and two types of cheese, this dish is pure comfort food bliss. Topped with a crunchy layer of buttery crackers, this casserole lives up to its “million-dollar” name by delivering an indulgent, mouthwatering experience. Best of all, it’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Ready to create a dish that tastes like a million bucks? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

What is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is an indulgent, creamy chicken dish baked with a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, shredded chicken, and cheese. It’s topped with a layer of buttery, crushed crackers that turn crispy in the oven, providing a perfect contrast to the rich and creamy filling. This dish is perfect for those nights when you need a comforting, home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss. With a flavor and texture reminiscent of a classic chicken bake, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – The base of the creamy filling.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds tang and richness to the casserole.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – For extra creaminess.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty and mild, perfect for the filling.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds sharp, cheesy flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – To enhance the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a savory note.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – To season the dish.
• 1 sleeve of buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed – For the crunchy topping.
• 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted – To mix with the crackers for a golden-brown topping.

Optional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup chopped green onions or fresh parsley – For garnish and added freshness.

Ingredients List for a Healthier Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

For a lighter version of this indulgent dish, here are some simple swaps:

• Low-fat cream cheese – To reduce calories and fat.
• Light sour cream – To keep it creamy but lighter.
• Greek yogurt – Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for added protein and fewer calories.
• Reduced-fat cheddar and mozzarella cheese – Still gives you the cheesy flavor but with less fat.
• Whole wheat or gluten-free crackers – For a healthier topping option.

Substitutions and Variations

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole can be easily customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations and substitutions to consider:

• Protein Substitutes: You can replace the chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even shredded pork.
• Meatless Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or use roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to switch up the cheese—try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss cheese for a slightly different flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and make sure your other ingredients, like mayonnaise and cream cheese, are gluten-free.
• Spicy Twist: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a little heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making this creamy, dreamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a light coat of olive oil.

2. Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t done so already, cook and shred your chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, but if you're cooking from scratch, simply poach or bake a couple of chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred with two forks.

3. Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything until smooth and creamy.

4. Fold in the Chicken

Add the shredded chicken to the creamy mixture and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken and cream cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

6. Prepare the Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Stir until all the cracker pieces are evenly coated in butter.

7. Add the Topping

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.

8. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.

9. Let it Rest

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is simple and rewarding. The key steps are mixing the shredded chicken with a rich, cheesy filling, topping it with buttery crackers, and baking it to bubbly perfection. This dish can be prepped ahead and baked right before serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

1. Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. If it’s too cold, it won’t mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
2. Using Dry Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great option because it’s already moist and flavorful. If cooking chicken breasts, avoid overcooking them so they don’t dry out.
3. Forgetting the Cracker Topping: The buttery cracker topping adds a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts the creamy filling. Don’t skip it!
4. Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can make the top too crispy and the filling too dry.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For the best presentation, consider the following tips to elevate your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or green onions on top before serving to give the dish a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve with Simple Sides: Since this casserole is so rich, pair it with lighter sides like a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the meal.
3. Family-Style Serving: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style dinner.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can enhance the dining experience by serving it with a variety of sides. A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread pairs perfectly with the creamy casserole. If you're looking to keep it low-carb, serve the casserole alongside a green vegetable like steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

For a polished presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This adds a restaurant-quality touch while keeping portion sizes controlled. You can also serve the casserole on a decorative platter, topped with fresh herbs, for a beautiful family-style presentation.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole the day before and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Freezing Instructions: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it fully, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Customize It: Feel free to add cooked veggies like broccoli or mushrooms to the casserole for extra nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use canned chicken for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Just drain it well and shred it before mixing it with the other ingredients.

2. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and ensure that the other ingredients, like mayonnaise and cream cheese, are gluten-free.

3. How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

4. Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it, but don’t

bake it, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy filling, gooey cheese, and crunchy cracker topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping, this casserole is versatile, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you follow the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite add-ins, one thing is certain—this dish will make you feel like a million bucks! So, grab your ingredients and get ready to serve up some indulgent, home-cooked comfort.

Print