If you are on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug from the inside out, look no further than the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. This creamy and cheesy casserole blends tender chunks of chicken with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and savory soup, all topped with buttery, crunchy Ritz crackers for that perfect golden finish. It’s a guaranteed winner that brings a little bit of luxury to your everyday dinner table, making weeknight meals or potlucks something to truly look forward to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients is all it takes to whip up this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. Each ingredient plays a specific role, from the creamy base that binds it all together to the crispy cracker topping that adds irresistible texture.
- 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for juicy and flavorful protein.
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature): This adds richness and creaminess that elevates the casserole’s texture.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Provides a light tang and slight curd for extra moisture and protein.
- ½ cup sour cream: Brings a smooth, tangy balance that blends beautifully with the other dairy.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as the savory, velvety base that keeps everything moist without overpowering flavors.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder: Provides sweet, mellow onion notes without the need to chop fresh onions.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed): The secret to the crispy, buttery topping that makes this casserole unforgettable.
- 5 Tbsp butter (melted): Mixed with the crackers to create a golden crust that’s irresistible to break through.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF to get it nice and hot. Then lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray so your casserole doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Setting this up early lets you focus on mixing up those delicious ingredients next.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and the unsalted cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until well blended — this mixture is where all the lusciousness comes from, so take your time and ensure it’s smooth and combined.
Step 3: Layer the Mixture in the Pan
Spread your creamy chicken mix evenly into the prepared baking dish. Creating an even layer helps the casserole cook uniformly, making sure each bite has that perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and tender chicken.
Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping
Crush a full sleeve of Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine them with the melted butter. This buttery topping is what turns the casserole into a million-dollar meal, adding a crunchy, savory finish. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the chicken filling, covering every bit for maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, allowing the top to crisp up beautifully while the inside bubbles with cheesy, creamy goodness. Once the edges are golden brown and you can see a slight bubbling around the dish, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise, consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right after baking. A light dusting of paprika can also add a warm color contrast and a subtle smoky note. These simple garnishes turn your casserole into a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with crisp green salads featuring a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add fresh, vibrant colors and crunch. For extra comfort, try buttery mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls alongside — they soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, place the casserole in a pretty serving dish and let everyone scoop to their heart’s content. If you’re taking it to a potluck, a brightly colored serving spoon or a rustic wooden platter can make your dish stand out even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent odor absorption. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat portions gently to maintain that creamy texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Freeze it in a tightly sealed container or wrapped securely with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing any of that rich flavor and creamy texture.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is in the oven at 325ºF until warmed through, typically about 20-25 minutes. This method helps keep the topping crisp. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist, but the crust may soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just cook the chicken thoroughly first — either bake, boil, or pan-sear — then chop it up before mixing it into the casserole. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and keeps the dish nice and tender.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese or cottage cheese?
You can swap cream cheese for Neufchâtel to reduce fat or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream if needed. However, the classic creamy texture comes from the exact combination of these cheeses, so substitutions might change the final richness.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Just replace the Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free crackers or crispy gluten-free bread crumbs. The buttery topping is essential, so keeping that texture is key to preserving the dish’s signature crunch.
How spicy is this casserole?
It’s very mild and comforting, perfect for picky eaters or kids. You can always enhance it by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the filling if you like a little kick.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish, increasing the baking time slightly until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden. Keep an eye on the crust to avoid over-browning.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly a timeless classic that brings both ease and elegance to your dinner rotation. Its creamy, comforting flavors combined with that unbeatable crispy topping make it a delightful dish to share with family and friends. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a casserole that feels like a million bucks every single time.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with a luscious blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, all topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures in one hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 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
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Mix Chicken and Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, dried onion powder, and the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup. Mix well until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- You can substitute the Ritz crackers topping with crushed buttery breadcrumbs if desired.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream.
