Warm, ultra-creamy, and topped with a golden buttery crunch, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food hero that turns everyday ingredients into something truly irresistible. You’ll love how effortless it is to whip together a dish that tastes like a special occasion—just combine everything in one bowl, then Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. In no time, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy casserole that brings everybody running to the table, proving that big, cozy flavors don’t have to mean big effort.

Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how easy it is to build this casserole! Each ingredient is essential—bringing richness, texture, or just a pop of flavor that makes the whole thing sing. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Cooked chicken: Skip the stress by using rotisserie chicken or any leftovers—shredded or diced for tender chunks in every bite.

Cream of chicken soup: The shortcut to ultra-creamy, savory filling—no extra seasoning or thickening required.
Sour cream: Adds tang, richness, and the dreamiest slick texture you can imagine.

Mayonnaise: Helps bind everything together and gives the casserole that signature “million dollar” mouthfeel.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and perfect for savory depth.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that classic cheese pull and a mild, creamy touch.
Ritz crackers: Crush these up for the most addictively buttery, golden topping.
Unsalted butter: Melts right into the cracker topping for rich, toasty flavor.

Salt and pepper: Adjust this to taste so you get the perfect balance in every forkful.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds fresh color and livens up the final dish.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Heat Your Oven and Prep the Dish

Start off strong by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks—and trust me, you want to savor every last bite, not leave it behind.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle on salt and pepper to suit your taste, then stir the mixture until everything is beautifully combined. This is the ultimate moment for luscious textures and bold flavors to all meld together.

Step 3: Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer

This step is where the magic begins—simply pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Try to keep the surface as even as possible, so you get gorgeous layers when you dig in later.

Step 4: Prepare the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Toss or stir them together until every crumb is glistening—this is your secret weapon for a crispy, golden finish on top of the creamy base.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttered cracker topping evenly over the casserole, making sure to cover every nook and cranny. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until you see the edges bubbling and the topping is gloriously golden brown.

Step 6: Cool, Garnish, and Enjoy

Once the casserole is baked, let it rest for a few minutes so everything sets up just right. If you’d like, shower it with a little chopped parsley for a finishing touch. Then, dig in to a pan of pure comfort.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

You’ve done the work—now it’s time for the fun extras! Sprinkle lots of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of green, or even add sliced green onions or chives for an extra punch. A dash of cracked black pepper adds a chef-y touch to your beautiful casserole just before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it absolutely shines when paired with bright, crunchy sides. Try serving it with a lightly dressed green salad, roasted veggies, or a scoop of fluffy mashed potatoes. Even a warm pan of garlic bread works wonders for soaking up every bit when you Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood to impress, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for personal servings. Or, for a family-style buffet, use a large dish and add extra garnishes for color and flair—the instructions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole work just as well no matter the vessel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Nothing beats opening your fridge and finding a slice of last night’s Million Dollar Chicken Casserole waiting for you. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—if you can resist for that long!

Freezing

Want to get ahead? Assemble everything (don’t bake yet!), then Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, and tightly cover with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your serving (or the whole dish) back in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 15–20 minutes. If the topping starts to darken too much, tent loosely with foil. For a speedy option, the microwave works too—just use short bursts so your topping stays as crisp as possible.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken not only saves you time but also adds extra flavor. Just shred or dice and Million Dollar Chicken Casserole before baking.

Is there a substitute for Ritz crackers in the topping?

If you don’t have Ritz on hand, use buttery club crackers or even crushed cornflakes instead. The key is that irresistible crunch on top once you Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap in your favorite gluten-free crackers for the topping. You’ll still experience all the cozy flavors when you Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

Can I assemble this in advance?

Definitely—a big win for busy nights! You can mix everything and Million Dollar Chicken Casseroleup to 24 hours ahead. Just store covered in the fridge and bake when ready.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

If you’re starting from scratch, poach boneless chicken breasts, or use your mixer’s paddle attachment to quickly shred after cooking. Then, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole as directed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a make-it-again classic that brings pure comfort and happiness with every bite, you owe it to yourself to try Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. All it takes is one step to Million Dollar Chicken Casserole—and you’re on your way to a meal everyone will rave about!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 23 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This comforting dish is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Instructions

Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper, mix well.

Fill the Dish: Spread the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
Prepare the Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the chicken layer.

Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let it cool, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!

Notes

You can add diced vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.

Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your liking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g

Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, Casserole Recipe