When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing dinners, there’s one dish that never fails to steal the show — Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s rich, creamy, loaded with cheesy goodness, and topped with a buttery, golden cracker crust that’s downright irresistible. This is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and trust me, your family will be asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
I first made this casserole on a busy weeknight when I needed something simple but delicious that the whole family would love. Let’s just say there were no leftovers that night — and it quickly became a regular in our meal rotation. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy Sunday suppers, potlucks, or even meal prepping for those hectic weeks. Plus, you only need basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Today, I’m so excited to share this amazing recipe with you. Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll want to have ready before we get started:
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3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, but adds great flavor)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
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1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or any buttery crackers you like)
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Seriously, you’re going to love how simple this recipe is. Just a few easy steps and you’ll have a dinner that tastes like a million bucks!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little butter. This helps make sure your casserole doesn’t stick when it’s time to serve it up.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You want all the flavors blended together into one luscious mixture.
Pro Tip: If your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make it easier to mix!
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Now, fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and green onions (if you’re using them). Gently stir until all the chicken and cheese are coated with that rich, creamy mixture. Every bite is going to be packed with flavor!
How to Finish and Bake Your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Now that you’ve got your rich and creamy chicken filling ready, it’s time to bring everything together and bake it into that comforting, golden-brown perfection we all love. Let’s keep it simple and delicious!
Assembling and Baking the Casserole
Step 4: Spread the Chicken Mixture in the Baking Dish
Take your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish and spoon in the chicken mixture. Spread it out evenly with a spatula so that every corner is covered. You want a nice, even layer so it bakes up beautifully.
Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers with 4 tablespoons melted butter. Stir them together until the crackers are evenly coated in butter. This topping adds the most incredible crunch and buttery flavor to the creamy casserole underneath.
If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, you can totally swap in crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a slightly different texture but just as much crunch!
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Make sure every bit of the surface gets a little love with that golden topping.
Pop the dish into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while it’s baking!
Million Dollar Tips for Success
A few little tricks can make this casserole even better — and keep it totally foolproof!
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save yourself some time and use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and perfectly seasoned, making prep even faster.
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Customize the Flavor: Want a little extra kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture before baking.
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Add Veggies: You can mix in frozen peas, corn, or steamed broccoli to sneak some veggies into the dish. Just be sure they’re cooked or thawed first so you don’t add extra moisture.
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Make Ahead: This casserole is a dream for meal prep! You can assemble it up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Or freeze it for longer storage — just thaw before baking as usual.
Serving Suggestions
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is rich and hearty, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Here are a few easy ideas:
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A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
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Steamed green beans or broccoli
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Garlic bread for some extra comfort food vibes
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Roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts
You could even scoop it into a soft sandwich roll for a decadent chicken melt if you’re feeling creative!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole FAQs
Before you head off to make this delicious casserole, I wanted to take a minute to answer a few questions that might pop up along the way. These are some of the most common ones I hear — and hopefully they’ll help make your cooking experience even easier!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can! Canned chicken works just fine in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well and break it up a bit before mixing it into the creamy base. It’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can fully assemble the casserole (up to the point before baking), cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it into the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and it will come out just as delicious as if you made it fresh.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs are great alternatives. They still give you that buttery, crunchy topping that makes this casserole so special.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for the casserole to be bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping to turn golden brown. That usually happens around the 25–30 minute mark at 350°F.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Stirring in some cooked broccoli, peas, or even a handful of spinach can be a great way to sneak in some veggies without changing the creamy, cheesy vibe of the casserole.
Is it possible to lighten this recipe up a bit?
You can! Swap out the regular cream cheese and sour cream for light versions, and use reduced-fat cheeses if you like. It’ll still be creamy and delicious, just a little bit lighter.
Final Thoughts on Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy, comforting, and full of cheesy goodness, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is it. It’s one of those dishes that makes dinnertime feel a little more special, without needing a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
I love how versatile it is too — you can switch up the cheeses, sneak in some veggies, spice it up with a little heat, or keep it classic and simple. No matter how you make it, it’s always a hit.
I hope you give this recipe a try soon! If you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know if you added your own special twist. Happy cooking, friends!
PrintMillion Dollar Chicken Casserole
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Tender chicken is mixed with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and two types of cheese, then topped with buttery Ritz crackers for a perfect crunchy finish. This easy, crowd-pleasing casserole is a great option for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or any buttery crackers)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3️⃣ Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and green onions if using. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
4️⃣ Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top.
5️⃣ In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
6️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
7️⃣ Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
You can swap the Ritz crackers for crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs if you prefer a different crunch. This casserole also freezes well; simply assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. To add a little kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the filling. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
