If there’s one dish that turns any ordinary weekday into a celebration, it’s Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Tucked under a golden cracker crust and oozing with melted cheese, this comfort food classic is pure joy in a baking dish. Every forkful is creamy, savory, and loaded with tender chicken, making it an irresistible favorite for both family dinners and potluck gatherings. Trust me, if you love casseroles that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss, this one’s about to become your go-to!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is that every ingredient serves a special role, blending together for that signature creamy richness and golden crunch. These simple supermarket staples are transformed into something unforgettable.

Cooked chicken (2 cups, diced or shredded): Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly for ease and deep flavor.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Makes the casserole ultra creamy and adds tangy depth to every bite.
Cottage cheese (1 cup): Brings a subtle, creamy texture and hints of cheesiness; even if you’re not a cottage cheese fan, you won’t notice it after baking!
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a little zip and helps balance the richness so the dish never feels heavy.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): A little goes a long way for velvety smoothness and extra flavor.
Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): The backbone of that classic, homey taste and a must for moisture.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkled throughout, it adds salty, nutty notes that really amp up the flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melty and stretchy, mozzarella is the backbone of any irresistible casserole topping.
Crushed Ritz crackers (1 cup): This forms the golden, buttery topping that everyone races to get the first scoop of.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Mixes with the crackers for a rich, crispy crust you’ll dream about.
Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust to your liking for that just-right seasoning.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A savory note that keeps things lively in the creamy filling.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and rounds out the overall flavor.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A sprinkle on top for color and fresh, herby aroma.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and line them up—having everything at arm’s reach will make assembling your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole a total breeze.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, luscious mixture. This dreamy combo is what gives the casserole its signature richness.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Now, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Tasting as you go is key—start conservatively, then adjust so the flavors really sing to your preference. This step ensures the base is full of savory goodness in every spoonful.

Step 4: Fold in the Chicken and Cheese

Gently add your diced or shredded chicken into the creamy mixture. If you like, this is also the time to toss in half the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for an even cheesier bite. Fold until everything is evenly coated and every bite will have plenty of chicken tucked inside.

Step 5: Layer and Smooth

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your chicken mixture. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. This helps it bake up evenly with a beautiful, creamy center that holds together perfectly when serving.

Step 6: Add Cheesy and Crunchy Toppings

Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole for that unmistakable gooey finish. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Spread this buttery cracker mixture all over the top so you get that coveted crispy, golden topping in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this resting time allows the filling to set up just enough for perfect slices.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Right out of the oven, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the dish with a pop of green color and fresh flavor. You could also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a few sliced green onions for another layer of savory flair.

Side Dishes

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut the richness, buttery green beans, or a soft dinner roll to help mop up every last bit of creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or a scoop of fluffy rice also work wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the casserole in small ramekins for individual portions topped with a mini sprig of parsley. Or try serving it family-style on a big platter, garnished with colorful roasted vegetables around the edges. You could even roll the filling in cooked lasagna noodles for fun Million Dollar Chicken Casserole roll-ups!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making the leftovers every bit as crave-worthy as the first night.

Freezing

Want to make this ahead? You absolutely can! Assemble the casserole (up to the cracker topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add your cracker topping just before baking, and cook as usual for a fuss-free meal any night of the week.

Reheating

The easiest way to reheat Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes). If reheating individual portions, a quick blast in the microwave will do the trick—just watch to avoid overheating the creamy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver and brings tons of flavor and tenderness. Just remove the skin and bones, shred or dice the meat, and follow the recipe as written.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, swap in ricotta cheese for a similar richness and texture. It will blend right into the creamy filling and taste just as amazing.

Is it possible to lighten up this recipe?

You can make swaps like low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, or Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise to cut some calories without sacrificing the luscious, creamy base of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can fully assemble the casserole (except the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When ready to bake, sprinkle on the crackers and butter, then bake as directed.

Will kids enjoy this casserole?

Kids adore Million Dollar Chicken Casserole thanks to its soft, creamy texture and cheesy, buttery flavors. It’s a winner for picky eaters and grown-up palates alike!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a creamy, crowd-pleasing dish destined to become a regular at your table, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is truly a must-try. Every bite feels like comfort in its most delicious form—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat! Give it a go and prepare for plenty of happy smiles around your table.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck gathering.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Incorporate Chicken: Gently fold in the cooked chicken until evenly distributed.
Prepare Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly in it.
Add Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American