Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Your Ultimate Creamy, Crunchy Weeknight Comfort Food
Discover the magic of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, an incredibly easy, luxuriously creamy, and deeply comforting meal crowned with a irresistible buttery Ritz cracker topping. This beloved dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this casserole promises a delightful blend of textures and rich flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this fuss-free, crowd-pleasing classic.
Why This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a Must-Try
There’s a reason this dish earns its “Million Dollar” moniker – it’s not about the cost, but the priceless satisfaction and ease it brings to your table. This casserole recipe shines because it brilliantly combines simple, accessible ingredients to create a rich, complex flavor profile and a truly comforting texture. Imagine tender, succulent chicken enveloped in a velvety sauce, all topped with golden, crisp Ritz crackers that provide the perfect savory crunch. It’s an impeccable balance of creamy and crunchy that few dishes achieve so effortlessly.
What makes this million dollar chicken casserole stand out as a weeknight champion? First, its adaptability. Whether you’re using leftover shredded chicken, a freshly cooked batch of chicken breasts, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken, this recipe embraces efficiency. It’s ideal for utilizing ingredients you already have on hand, minimizing food waste and maximizing convenience. The creamy base, crafted from a delightful blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and condensed cream of chicken soup, creates a thick, hearty sauce that coats every piece of chicken with irresistible flavor. This unique combination provides depth and a wonderfully smooth consistency that sets it apart from other casseroles.
Furthermore, this easy chicken casserole is a family favorite for a reason. Its mild yet savory taste appeals to all palates, making it a reliable choice for even the pickiest eaters. The buttery Ritz cracker topping isn’t just for texture; it adds a layer of rich, salty flavor that complements the creamy chicken perfectly. It’s an ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table, transforming a simple meal into a memorable experience without hours of kitchen work. Truly, for a satisfying, effortless, and utterly delicious chicken dinner, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is second to none.
Essential Ingredients for Your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
To create this incredibly delicious and easy million dollar chicken casserole, you’ll need a handful of readily available ingredients. These components come together to form the rich, creamy base and the signature crispy topping that defines this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken (approximately 1 ½ lbs of boneless chicken breasts)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 10.75 oz condensed cream of chicken soup (do NOT add water or milk)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 32 Ritz crackers (one sleeve), crushed
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For exact measurements and a printable version of this million dollar chicken casserole recipe, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient’s role in this million dollar chicken casserole can help you achieve the best results and confidently make substitutions when needed.
CHICKEN: The star of our show! You’ll need cooked chicken for this casserole. The beauty here is flexibility:
- Rotisserie Chicken: A fantastic time-saver! Simply shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken for instant deliciousness.
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: If cooking from scratch, boil, bake, or pan-fry about 1.5 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice them. This is an excellent way to use up leftover chicken.
- Dark Meat: Don’t shy away from using cooked chicken thighs or legs if you prefer dark meat. Their richer flavor and moist texture can add another dimension to the casserole. You’ll need about 4 cups of cooked dark meat. Ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded before mixing.
CREAMY BASE ADDITIONS: This unique blend creates the “million dollar” creaminess.
- Cream Cheese: Crucial for that rich, tangy, and ultra-creamy consistency. Always ensure it’s well-softened at room temperature for easy mixing and a lump-free sauce. It binds everything together beautifully.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds a subtle texture, a boost of protein, and a touch of savory flavor. While it might seem unconventional to some, it melts down into the sauce, contributing to its luxurious body without being overtly chunky. For a smoother casserole, you can blend the cottage cheese briefly before adding.
- Sour Cream: Contributes a delightful tang that brightens the richness of the other dairy components, balancing the flavors. Full-fat sour cream will yield the creamiest result.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This acts as a savory base and thickener. Remember to use it condensed – do NOT add water or milk to the soup itself, as the recipe accounts for its full richness. If you prefer a more natural option, homemade cream of chicken soup can be used for an even fresher flavor.
- Seasoning (Garlic & Onion Powder): These provide a foundational savory flavor that enhances the chicken and creamy sauce without overpowering them. Feel free to adjust to your taste or add other herbs like dried parsley or a pinch of black pepper.
BUTTERY TOPPING: The iconic crunchy crown of this easy chicken casserole.
- Ritz Crackers: The gold standard for this casserole! Their buttery, slightly sweet, and salty flavor, combined with their crisp texture when baked, creates the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. Crush them into varying sizes for a rustic look and varied crunch.
- Melted Unsalted Butter: Essential for coating the Ritz crackers, ensuring they become beautifully golden and extra crispy in the oven. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Substitutes: If Ritz crackers aren’t available or you’re looking for an alternative, saltine crackers provide a similar salty crunch, or crushed pretzels can offer a bolder, savory twist. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free buttery crackers.
Crafting the Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and detailed instructions at the bottom of the post.
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the topping gets perfectly golden.
- Shred the Chicken: Take your pre-cooked chicken (whether it’s rotisserie, boiled, or baked chicken breasts) and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so they distribute well throughout the casserole.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated to prevent lumps and create a truly luxurious sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the shredded chicken to the creamy mixture in the bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece of chicken is completely coated with the rich sauce. This step is key for ensuring a flavorful bite every time. Pour this chicken and sauce mixture evenly into a 9×9 casserole dish.
- Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping: In a separate medium bowl, crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers into small, uneven bits. Some larger crumbs are fine and add to the texture. Pour the melted unsalted butter over the crushed crackers and toss until the crackers are evenly coated. The butter helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish. Don’t press them down; keep them light and airy for maximum crunch.
- Bake and Serve: Place the uncovered casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the Ritz cracker topping is golden brown and crispy. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Absolutely! This million dollar chicken casserole freezes beautifully, making it an excellent meal prep option. To freeze, prepare the casserole through step 4 (before adding the Ritz cracker topping). Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe casserole dish, cover it with an airtight lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Bake it as normal, but keep it covered with foil for the initial baking period to ensure it heats through evenly. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it’s going into the oven cold. Add the Ritz topping for the last 15-20 minutes of baking, uncovered, to ensure it crisps up perfectly.
Leftovers of your million dollar chicken casserole can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through. For a crispier topping, you can reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm, covered with foil to prevent drying, then remove the foil for the last few minutes.
Yes, it is essential to use fully cooked chicken breast or any other chicken meat for this casserole. The baking time for this dish is primarily for heating the casserole through and crisping the topping, not for cooking raw chicken. Using uncooked meat would result in an improperly cooked dish and could be unsafe. Cooked shredded chicken, leftover chicken, or a convenient rotisserie chicken are all perfect choices.
Absolutely! While chicken breast is commonly used, if you prefer the richer flavor and moister texture of dark meat, you can certainly use cooked chicken legs or thighs. You’ll need approximately 4 cups of cooked and shredded dark meat to substitute for the chicken breast in this million dollar chicken casserole recipe.
Yes, this casserole is excellent for making ahead, which is another reason it’s a weeknight favorite! You can prepare the chicken casserole filling a day in advance. Pour the mixture into your baking dish, cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. For the topping, crush the crackers and mix them with melted butter separately, storing them in a zip-top bag at room temperature. Combine the buttered crackers and add them to the casserole just before baking to ensure they stay crispy. If you’re baking a refrigerated glass dish, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour to take the chill off before placing it in a hot oven, preventing thermal shock. For metal pans, you might need an extra couple of minutes in the oven if baking directly from the refrigerator.
A 9×9 inch square baking dish is ideal for this recipe, yielding about 6 servings. If you’re doubling the recipe for a larger crowd, a 13×9 inch rectangular casserole dish will be perfect. Both glass and ceramic baking dishes work well, but remember to let glass dishes come to room temperature if refrigerated before baking.
Absolutely! While the classic Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is famously simple, adding vegetables can enhance its nutritional value and flavor. Good options include frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots, which can be stirred directly into the creamy chicken mixture before baking. Cooked broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms also make wonderful additions. Add about 1 to 1.5 cups of your favorite veggies.
Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with simple, complementary side dishes. Its rich, creamy profile and crunchy topping make it versatile for various accompaniments.
Classic Sides:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli florets offer a healthy and colorful addition. Their freshness brightens the meal.
- Warm Bread: Crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving even more comfort, a side of creamy mashed potatoes can complement the texture and flavor beautifully, though the casserole is quite filling on its own.
Enhancements & Variations:
- Crispy Bacon: For an extra layer of savory flavor and crunch, sprinkle some cooked and crumbled bacon bits over the top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking, or as a garnish before serving.
- Herbs: Fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme can add a burst of freshness and aroma when garnished just before serving.
- Cheesy Twist: For an even cheesier casserole, you can sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture before adding the Ritz cracker topping.
This million dollar chicken casserole is not only excellent for family dinners but also a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks or serve at casual gatherings. It’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Explore More Delicious Chicken Casserole Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and comfort of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic chicken casserole recipes. Casseroles are the ultimate one-dish wonders, perfect for hearty family meals and clever use of leftovers. Here are some more favorites to add to your rotation:
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Stuffing Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken cooked and shredded – roughly 1 1/2 lbs of boneless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 10.75 oz condensed cream of chicken soup as-is, do NOT add water/milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 32 Ritz crackers 1 sleeve
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Things You’ll Need
-
9×9 baking pan
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin & Expert Tips
- Doubling the Recipe: Easily double this million dollar chicken casserole recipe and bake it in a 13×9 inch casserole dish. Adjust baking time slightly, ensuring it’s thoroughly heated through and bubbly.
- Chicken Options: You can use a convenient rotisserie chicken from the store or cook 1 1/2 – 2 lbs of boneless chicken breasts. Cooked dark meat (like thighs or legs) will also work wonderfully if you prefer it.
- Cream Cheese Prep: Make sure your cream cheese is well-softened at room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free creamy sauce. You can use homemade cream of chicken soup if desired for a fresher taste.
- Topping Alternatives: If you are looking for a substitute for the iconic Ritz cracker topping, try saltine crackers for a similar savory crunch, or crushed pretzels for a bolder, saltier flavor.
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
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Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, aiming for consistent sizing for even distribution.4 cups chicken
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In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended.4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 10.75 oz condensed cream of chicken soup, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Add the shredded chicken to the same bowl and stir well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated with the creamy sauce. Pour the mixture into a 9×9 casserole dish.
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In a separate medium bowl, crush one sleeve of Ritz crackers into small bits. Pour in the melted butter and toss gently to coat the cracker crumbs evenly.32 Ritz crackers, 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
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Evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping over the chicken casserole mixture in the dish.
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Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- To Freeze: To prepare this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for freezing, follow the instructions through step 4 (before adding the crackers). Store the casserole in an air-tight, freezer-safe dish with a lid or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Bake as normal, but covered with foil initially. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold when it enters the oven. Add the Ritz topping during the last 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to ensure it gets wonderfully crispy.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in a container with an air-tight lid or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C), covered, until heated through, then uncover for the last few minutes for crispiness.
- To Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken casserole filling a day in advance. Pour the mixture into your baking dish and cover with a lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate. You can crush the crackers ahead of time, but it’s best to store them in a separate zip-top bag. Combine the melted butter with the crackers and add them to the casserole just before baking to maintain their crispness. If using a glass baking dish, allow it to relax at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to take the chill off before baking to prevent thermal shock. For metal pans, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Nutrition
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published here on December 28, 2021.