Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again! Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and outrageously delicious with a buttery, crunchy topping that practically guarantees the whole family will show up at the dinner table on time. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this dish feels both celebratory and stress-free—a rich and satisfying casserole that lives up to its name and always delivers big flavor. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s warm, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent, you’ve found your new favorite recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how these everyday ingredients come together to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole taste so rich and special. Each one plays an important role—from the creamy base to the cheesy goodness and that irresistible crunchy topping!
- Chicken breast (4 cups, cooked and shredded): Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for quick prep; it makes the casserole hearty and flavorful.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the key to a luxuriously creamy texture throughout every bite.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tanginess and helps lighten up the richness of the casserole.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Trust me, it melts in and creates wonderful creaminess without overpowering the flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings that classic, melty cheesiness everyone craves in a good casserole.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): For savory depth and a punch of umami to boost all the flavors.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the aromatic notes without any chopping required.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Balances the creaminess and builds background flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the best in every ingredient—taste before baking and adjust if you like.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough for a gentle kick without making it spicy.
- Ritz crackers, crushed (1 sleeve): The ultimate topping for crunch and that little hit of butteriness.
- Melted butter (1/2 cup): Binds the cracker crumbs for a golden, irresistible finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a burst of freshness and color right at the end.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start strong by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This way, nothing sticks and the casserole bakes up perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is beautifully smooth and blended—no lumps, just pure creamy goodness!
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Fold in your cooked, shredded chicken until it’s completely coated in that dreamy, cheesy mixture. You want every bite of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole to have plenty of creamy chicken!
Step 4: Spread in the Baking Dish
Evenly spread the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top so it bakes up consistently and looks inviting.
Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until all the crumbs are glistening and coated. This is your secret weapon for a show-stopping, crunchy casserole top!
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is sizzling golden and the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color. Let the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole cool for a few minutes before serving it warm.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of fresh parsley goes a long way for visual appeal and a hint of herbal brightness. If you like, add a few cracks of black pepper or even a dusting of extra Parmesan for pizzazz. These garnishes make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole look as irresistible as it tastes!
Side Dishes
Pair it with something light and vibrant, like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, to balance out the rich creaminess of the casserole. A scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli also goes perfectly with every creamy, cheesy forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins—everyone loves having their own mini Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! Or, serve scoops over toasted brioche for a fun twist, or stuff leftovers in a warm wrap for next-day lunches. This dish is as versatile as your own imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with leftovers (which doesn’t happen often!), simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole as directed, just stop before baking. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the original instructions.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and place it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions (uncovered) for 1–2 minutes. Add a fresh sprinkle of parsley to revive that just-baked feeling!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds wonderful flavor. Just shred the meat and use it exactly as you would cooked chicken breast in this recipe.
Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the filling, spread it in the baking dish, and prep the topping ahead of time. Just cover and chill in the fridge. Add the buttery crackers right before baking for maximum crunch!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the regular Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers to make a completely gluten-free version. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I add if I want to include vegetables?
Steamed broccoli, peas, or even a handful of baby spinach stirred into the filling are all delicious ways to boost the nutrition and flavor. Just make sure the veggies are cooked and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is deeply golden and you see bubbles of creamy filling breaking through at the edges. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the middle should read at least 165°F for food safety.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, it’s sure to become a comfort food classic in your household too. It’s cozy, satisfying, and always a hit, whether you’re serving family, friends, or a holiday crowd. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this rich, creamy delight—the rave reviews will make every minute in the kitchen worth it!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. A comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Casserole: In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add shredded chicken and mix well. Spread in the baking dish.
- Make the Topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- For a lighter version, opt for light cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream.
- Enhance with steamed broccoli or peas for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
