When it comes to comfort food, casseroles are always a top contender. They’re warm, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. But this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? It takes comfort to a whole new level. Imagine a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken filling topped with a buttery, crispy cracker crust. Every bite is rich, decadent, and packed with that homemade goodness we all crave.
This casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, delicious meals. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, hosting a potluck, or just need a cozy dish to warm you up, this recipe delivers every time. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Let’s get started with this irresistible recipe!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
One of the best things about this casserole is that it uses everyday ingredients. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen!
- Chicken – You’ll need 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken works great here for convenience.
- Cream Cheese – Adds richness and a velvety texture to the filling.
- Cottage Cheese – Gives a creamy, slightly tangy contrast that blends beautifully.
- Sour Cream – Enhances the creaminess while adding a bit of tang.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – The ultimate shortcut for a smooth, savory base.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper bring depth of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – Because what’s a good casserole without a melty, cheesy goodness?
- Ritz Crackers – The secret to that golden, crunchy topping.
- Butter – Helps create the perfect crisp on the cracker topping.
HOW TO MAKE MILLION DOLLAR CHICKEN CASSEROLE
This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps. Here’s how to make it:
STEP 1: PREHEAT THE OVEN
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the casserole just the right amount of time to bake to golden perfection.
STEP 2: MIX THE CREAMY BASE
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Softened cream cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper
Mix everything together until smooth and well blended. This is the base of your casserole, and trust me, it’s packed with creamy, savory flavor.
STEP 3: ADD THE CHICKEN AND CHEESE
Next, fold in shredded chicken and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated in that rich, creamy mixture.
STEP 4: SPREAD INTO A BAKING DISH
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly. At this point, it already looks delicious, but we’re not done yet!
ADDING THE PERFECT CRUNCHY TOPPING
Now that we have our creamy chicken mixture spread evenly in the baking dish, it’s time to take this casserole to the next level. What makes this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole truly special is the crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. It adds the perfect contrast to the rich and creamy filling, making every bite irresistibly delicious.
Let’s finish up this dish and get it ready for the oven!
STEP 5: MAKE THE BUTTERY CRACKER TOPPING
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter
Stir them together until all the crackers are coated in butter. This step is key to getting that beautiful golden-brown crust on top.
Pro Tip: If you want an extra crunchy topping, try adding a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or even a sprinkle of Parmesan to the cracker mixture before spreading it over the casserole.
STEP 6: SPRINKLE THE TOPPING OVER THE CASSEROLE
Evenly spread the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just make sure every bite will get a bit of that crunchy goodness.
STEP 7: BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION
Place the casserole in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until:
The top is golden brown
The casserole is bubbling around the edges
The smell alone will have everyone running to the kitchen!
STEP 8: LET IT COOL & SERVE
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the creamy filling set up a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Serving Ideas:
- Enjoy it on its own as a complete meal.
- Pair it with a simple side salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or steamed green beans for a balanced dinner.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got questions about this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? You’re not alone! Here are some common questions and answers to help you make this dish perfectly every time.
CAN I MAKE THIS CASSEROLE AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
CAN I USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEESE?
Absolutely! While cheddar works great, you can switch it up with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Colby cheese for a different flavor. If you love extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little more on top before baking.
WHAT CAN I SUBSTITUTE FOR COTTAGE CHEESE?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can swap it for ricotta cheese or an extra ½ cup of sour cream. It will still be just as creamy and delicious.
HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through.
CAN I FREEZE THIS CASSEROLE?
Yes! Assemble the casserole but do not add the cracker topping. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake as usual.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CRACKER FOR THE TOPPING?
Definitely! If you don’t have Ritz crackers, try buttery club crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
FINAL THOUGHT
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, creamy, cheesy, and topped with the perfect crispy crunch. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prep.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! If you have any favorite variations, be sure to share them in the comments.
Enjoy your cozy, delicious meal!
Description
An indulgent, crowd-pleasing bake with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce—all topped with buttery crushed crackers for a satisfying crunch. This “million-dollar” casserole is simple to assemble and bakes up golden and bubbly, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Chicken Filling
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and roughly chopped
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Creamy Sauce
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese & Cracker Topping
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (e.g., Ritz)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
1⃣ Preheat & prep:
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
2⃣ Sauté the aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat.
3⃣ Make the sauce:
In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4⃣ Combine filling:
Stir the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, thawed peas and carrots, and sautéed onion–garlic mixture into the sauce until evenly coated.
5⃣ Layer & cheese:
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top.
6⃣ Prepare the cracker topping:
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
7⃣ Bake to perfection:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
8⃣ Garnish & serve:
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, crunchy bite!
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble through step 6, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge—add 5–10 minutes to the cook time.
Vegetable Swap: Use mixed frozen vegetables or add broccoli florets in place of peas and carrots.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup Parmesan with the cheddar, or use pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free cream soup and use GF crackers for the topping.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350 °F oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min