If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. This delightfully creamy and crunchy casserole combines shredded chicken with a luscious blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, all crowned with a buttery Ritz cracker topping that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s surprisingly simple to pull together but impressive in flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is carefully chosen to create that perfect balance of creamy richness and crispy topping. These simple staples come together effortlessly, giving the casserole its irresistible taste, satisfying texture, and inviting golden color.
- Cooked chicken (4 cups): Use shredded or chopped chicken for hearty protein that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Brings silky smoothness and tang that enrich the casserole’s base.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10 ¾ oz): Adds comforting savoriness and helps bind all the ingredients together.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Offers a mild tang and subtle texture contrast to the creamy mix.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Contributes a touch of sharpness that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory notes and rounds out the seasoning.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crumbled): Creates the irresistible crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Binds the crushed crackers and adds a rich, golden finish to the topping.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×9 baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting this up first means everything else will flow smoothly once your mixture is ready.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Grab two mixing bowls: start by placing the shredded or chopped chicken into a large bowl. In a separate smaller bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and creamy. Then, pour this luscious mixture over the chicken and stir everything gently until fully combined, ensuring every bite will be flavorful and moist.
Step 3: Assemble Casserole
Pour your creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out so the top is smooth. Next, mix the crumbled Ritz crackers with the melted butter in a small bowl until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery topping all over the surface of the casserole — this is the signature crunchy layer that takes the dish to a whole new level.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top has turned a beautiful golden brown and the creamy mixture bubbles around the edges — that’s your signal to take it out and prepare to dig in.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like thinly sliced green onions or chopped parsley add a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the casserole perfectly. These simple touches brighten each serving visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp steamed vegetables or a simple side salad to balance its creamy, hearty qualities. Some garlic bread or a light coleslaw also makes fantastic companions, completing the meal and adding texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, try serving the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also layer it with other ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs mixed into the casserole before baking, tailoring it to your taste and making it uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy, delicious leftovers you’ll look forward to.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a practical option for meal planning. Simply wrap it securely after baking (or freeze unbaked to bake fresh later), and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F to keep the crust crisp and the interior creamy. Cover with foil to warm through evenly, then remove the foil at the end to refresh the golden topping. Microwave reheating works for convenience but may soften the cracker crust.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time without sacrificing quality.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Yes, you can swap full-fat dairy for low-fat options and use whole grain crackers or crushed nuts for the topping to add fiber and nutrients.
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the soup used is gluten-free.
What can I do if I don’t have cottage cheese?
You can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or even plain Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbling at the edges, indicating it’s hot all the way through.
Final Thoughts
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe truly lives up to its name by delivering layers of flavor and texture that feel luxurious without any fuss. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to invite everyone over just to share a comforting, homey meal. Give it a try — I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites for cozy family dinners and special occasions alike.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, and sour cream, topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for a golden, crispy finish. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to assemble and delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crumbled
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the shredded or chopped cooked chicken. In a separate smaller bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until smooth and fully blended. Pour this creamy mixture into the bowl with the chicken, mixing thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir together until the crumbs are well coated. Evenly sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking pan to form a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the creamy mixture inside is bubbly and hot throughout.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with sliced green onions or chopped parsley flakes for added freshness and color. Serve warm and enjoy this rich, comforting dish.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a crispier topping, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- To reduce calories, substitute light sour cream and low-fat cottage cheese.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smooth texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick meal.
