Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Picture this: a bubbly, golden casserole packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and studded with juicy chunks of tender chicken. That’s exactly what you get with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole—one irresistibly comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that truly lives up to its name! It’s all about layers of flavor and luscious textures, coming together with the kind of ease that makes it the perfect choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any gathering where you want the food to disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk simple ingredients that absolutely shine together! Each item in this casserole brings something special to the table, whether it’s creamy richness, gooey meltiness, or that signature buttery crunch on top. Here’s how to make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole taste like a million bucks:
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie, poached, or leftover chicken works perfectly and absorbs all those creamy flavors.
- Cream cheese: Softened for ultra-smooth results, it creates the velvety base for this crave-worthy casserole.
- Cottage cheese: Adds moisture and a gentle tang that lightens up the richness in every bite.
- Sour cream: Delivers a subtle zing and helps everything meld together in creamy harmony.
- Mayonnaise: Brings richness that rounds out the other dairy elements without overpowering them.
- Cream of chicken soup: The magic shortcut ingredient, adding heaps of savory depth (and body) to the mixture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty boost on top that bakes up to a subtle, irresistible crisp.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This forms those stretchy, melty pockets everyone loves in a casserole!
- Crushed Ritz crackers: Buttery and crisp, these are the ultimate crunch factor for the topping.
- Unsalted butter: Mixed with crackers, it toasts up golden for mouthwatering contrast.
- Salt and pepper: Simple essentials to enhance all the flavors in the dish—don’t skip them!
- Garlic powder: Adds mellow, savory depth without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Onion powder: Just a perfect hint of oniony sweetness, blending right in for balance.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A pop of freshness and vibrant green as a finishing touch.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Let’s get things started! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C); this is the sweet spot that lets everything bake together without drying out the chicken or scorching the cheesy crown. While it heats, gather your ingredients, prep your baking dish (a quick swipe with nonstick spray works wonders), and you’re halfway to savory heaven.
Step 2: Creamy Base Magic
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Mixing might seem simple, but this step is where the magic begins—you want everything velvety smooth, so take a moment to work out any lumps. This mix is what gives Million Dollar Chicken Casserole its signature creamy richness!
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Now’s your chance to add flavor in every forkful! Stir garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the creamy base. Taste and adjust to your liking—this is all about making it delicious for your table.
Step 4: Fold in the Chicken
Gently fold in your diced or shredded chicken until it’s well combined and smothered in that dreamy cheese mixture. Use a spatula for this step, so you don’t break up the chicken too much. Every piece should be fully coated for max flavor delivery.
Step 5: Layer It Up
Spoon the rich chicken mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it evenly from edge to edge. This ensures every bite comes out perfectly creamy, cheesy, and cohesive.
Step 6: Parmesan Perfection
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole. Parmesan bakes up to a subtle, golden crisp, adding that bit of umami and saltiness you crave in every slice of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Step 7: Prepare the Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are slick and glistening. This is the key to getting that signature, jaw-dropping crunch up top!
Step 8: Top and Cover
Scatter the buttery cracker mixture evenly across the casserole, making sure it’s distributed from corner to corner. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything—this final layer turns bubbly and golden in the oven, locking in all the flavor.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Goodness
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling edge, a gloriously golden top, and the bewitching aroma of garlic, cheese, and butter wafting through your kitchen. When it looks irresistibly toasty, it’s ready!
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes once you take it from the oven—this helps the cheesy base set up so you can serve neat slices. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness right before you dig in.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A finishing touch of fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it brightens up the creamy landscape, balancing out all the rich flavors underneath. Don’t hesitate to toss on a pinch of extra Parmesan or a little cracked black pepper for even more flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
Since Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is so hearty and creamy, pair it with crisp, simple sides. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a zippy arugula salad are excellent options. Warm rolls or garlic bread also soak up that cheesy sauce—trust me, you won’t want a single bite to go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the casserole dish! Try serving smaller squares on toasted brioche, or fill individual ramekins for a dinner party wow factor. For a potluck hit, scoop generous portions into colorful bowls so everyone gets plenty of that addictive topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole holds up beautifully for up to 3-4 days, making it ideal for meal prepping or quick lunches.
Freezing
Want to make this dish ahead of time? Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the center is hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). For a quick single serving, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts until warm, keeping the cracker topping nice and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a timesaving hero here. Just shred it and fold it in as directed; its seasoned, juicy texture is fantastic in Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
You can swap in low-fat or fat-free versions of cottage cheese, sour cream, or cream cheese. While the dish will be slightly less rich, it’s still going to be deliciously satisfying and creamy.
Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in advance?
Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just slide it into the oven and bake as directed—perfect for entertaining or prepping meals ahead of a busy week.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
If you don’t have Ritz, try crushed buttery club crackers, cornflakes, or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter. Each option gives a different but equally irresistible crunch on top.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Stir in cooked broccoli florets, peas, or baby spinach before baking for an extra layer of color, nutrients, and flavor. Just keep veggies soft to blend with the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a comforting classic with dependable rave reviews, give Million Dollar Chicken Casserole a spot on your dinner table. With its creamy, cheesy layers and buttery crunch, it’s sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Go ahead—treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of pure comfort!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This decadent dish combines tender chicken with a luxurious blend of cheeses and a crunchy topping, creating a truly unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture, adjusting to taste.
- Incorporate Chicken: Gently fold in the diced or shredded chicken until well combined.
- Prepare Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole.
- Make Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter, then spread over the casserole.
- Top with Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time for a convenient meal option.
- Feel free to customize the seasonings and cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Creamy Chicken Casserole, Baked Chicken Casserole
