Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe That Wows

Comfort food reaches new heights with this million dollar chicken casserole that promises a creamy, cheesy experience.

Layers of tender chicken meld perfectly with rich, velvety ingredients that make every bite extraordinary.

Home cooks adore this simple yet decadent dish that comes together with minimal effort.

Creamy sauce and crispy topping create a delightful contrast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings become special when you serve this crowd-pleasing casserole.

The combination of classic ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into something truly memorable.

Million Dollar Flavor in Every Chicken Bite

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness that brings everyone together around the dinner table, this casserole delivers ultimate satisfaction in every single bite.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up this delicious dish with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for various occasions like potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this chicken casserole works brilliantly as a main course or hearty side dish.
• Quick Kitchen Win: Requires just a few straightforward steps and basic mixing, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks and tastes impressively delicious.

Everything Needed for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: A tender and juicy protein that forms the core of this comforting casserole.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and smooth texture to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dish.
• Cottage Cheese: Offers extra creaminess and protein boost.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the smooth and creamy consistency.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and melty cheese flavor throughout the casserole.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall savory taste of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors.

• Ritz Crackers: Create a crispy and buttery golden crust on top of the casserole.
• Butter: Helps the cracker topping become golden and crunchy.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab your baking dish and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add the Star Ingredient

Fold in the shredded chicken and most of the cheddar cheese.

Mix gently to keep the texture light and fluffy.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Make sure it’s distributed perfectly for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Create the Crunchy Cracker Topping

Crush the Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter.

Generously scatter this golden, buttery mixture across the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Casserole Wisdom: Make It Rich Every Time

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Use low-sodium crackers and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish healthier.
• Add cooked quinoa or diced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and nutrition.
• Swap Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free crackers for dietary needs.
• Ensure chicken is moist by using rotisserie chicken or freshly poached chicken breasts.

Million Dollar Chicken: Fun Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Chicken Casserole: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Chicken Bake: Swap crackers with crushed pork rinds and use cauliflower as a base to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use coconut milk instead of sour cream, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Spicy Mexican Chicken Casserole: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Ways to Enjoy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this creamy chicken casserole alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Hearty Side Kick: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add extra nutrition and color to your plate, making the dish even more satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving to add a fresh pop of green and make the casserole look restaurant-worthy.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Serve with crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, creating the perfect comfort food experience.

Storage Advice for Rich Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole covered tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It provides similar creaminess and tanginess while offering a healthier alternative.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

• How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Reduce the cheese quantity, use low-fat cream cheese, and substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also use less butter when preparing the cracker topping.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this casserole as it’s already cooked and tender. Alternatively, use leftover grilled or boiled chicken, shredded into bite-sized pieces.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets luxury in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, a Southern-style dish packed with creamy textures and rich flavors. Cheese, tender chicken, and a crispy cracker topping combine to create a crowd-pleasing meal you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Other Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a 9×13 inch baking dish for the creamy chicken creation.
2. Blend cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a smooth, luxurious mixture.
3. Fold shredded chicken and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese into the creamy base, ensuring even distribution.
4. Transfer the velvety mixture to the baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
5. Shower the top with remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese for an extra layer of richness.
6. Crush Ritz crackers and meld with melted butter, creating a golden, crispy topping.
7. Generously scatter the buttery cracker mixture over the cheese-covered casserole.
8. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns bubbly and achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue.
9. Once done, optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Chill cream cheese beforehand to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing for a silky texture.
• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the casserole.
• Swap regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of full-fat ingredients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 379 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg