The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy baked dish that lives up to its name. This comfort-food favorite combines tender chicken, cream cheese, savory soups, and a buttery cracker topping for a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and sure to impress everyone at the table.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and flavorful – the combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and soups gives it a luxurious texture.
- Quick and easy – minimal prep, baked in one dish.
- Family-friendly – both kids and adults love it.
- Perfect for gatherings – a crowd-pleasing casserole for holidays or potlucks.
- Customizable – add vegetables, change cheese types, or swap toppings.
🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 3–4 tbsp melted butter
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley
🔥 How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Add Cheese
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining cup for topping.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
5. Prepare Cracker Topping
- In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the crackers for extra cheesiness.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
- Serve alongside dinner rolls or garlic bread.
- Complement with a simple salad for a balanced meal.
🌟 Tips for the Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
✔ Use rotisserie chicken
It adds flavor and saves cooking time.
✔ Soften cream cheese
Ensures a smooth, creamy mixture.
✔ Don’t overmix
Overmixing can make the casserole too dense.
✔ Customize
- Add cooked broccoli, peas, or corn for vegetables.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Use crushed fried onions instead of crackers for a crunchy topping.
✔ Make Ahead
Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
🧊 Storing & Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze:
Assemble without the cracker topping and freeze for up to 2 months. Add topping before baking.
Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.
❤️ Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comfort food classic that’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s a dish that combines simplicity with rich flavor. Whether for a weeknight dinner, holiday gathering, or potluck, this casserole is always a hit.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistible
Ingredients
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works great!)
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
• 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch or 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayo, ¾ cup cheddar, and peas (if using). Mix well.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Top with remaining ¼ cup cheddar.
- Bake 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool 5 minutes before serving—creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying!
✨ Great with:
• A crisp green salad
• Steamed vegetables
• As a holiday or potluck favorite
💡 Make ahead: Assemble unbaked casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready (+5 mins).
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 35 mins , Total Time : 50 mins , Servings : 6 , Calories : 380 per serving , Net Carbs: 12g , Fats: 22g , Protein: 32g