The Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Ever Made

Whipping up a million dollar chicken casserole promises pure culinary magic that’ll make dinner feel like a luxurious celebration.

Comfort arrives in layers of creamy, savory goodness that melt together perfectly.

Ingredients blend seamlessly to create something extraordinary beyond typical weeknight meals.

Rich textures and robust flavors combine in ways that surprise and delight even picky eaters.

Cheesy, tender, and irresistibly smooth, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction, making you the kitchen hero everyone appreciates.

Prepare to wow your crowd with this decadent comfort classic that feels like a gourmet experience.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Overview

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich, creamy flavors that instantly satisfy hunger and warm the soul with its cheesy, hearty goodness.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple mixing and layering techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Versatile Family Feast: Adaptable dish that works perfectly for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, or gatherings where everyone craves a filling and delectable meal.
• No-Fuss Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and readily available ingredients, eliminating the need for special shopping trips or expensive components.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: The star ingredient that provides hearty protein and tender texture to the casserole.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, smooth creaminess to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy flavor and helps create a creamy consistency.
• Cottage Cheese: Contributes additional creaminess and protein.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, classic cheese flavor and melty texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall savory flavor profile of the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate the casserole's taste.
• Crackers: Create a crispy, golden-brown topping for added crunch.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker topping and adds richness.

How to Prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Cottage cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and create a rich, creamy texture.

Step 3: Spread the Chicken Base

Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface, ensuring a consistent layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed crackers
• Melted butter

Mix until the crackers are completely coated with butter, creating a golden, crispy topping.

Step 5: Add the Cracker Topping

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer, covering the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy the creamy, crunchy comfort dish hot and fresh.

Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and effortless preparation, saving time without compromising flavor.
• Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and lower-fat option, perfect for health-conscious individuals.
• Experiment with gluten-free crackers to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a burst of freshness and extra color before serving.
• Prep the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to ensure a stress-free meal preparation.

Flavor Variations for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Cracker Swap: Replace traditional crackers with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt and use cauliflower rice instead of crackers for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Vegetarian Protein Remix: Replace chicken with diced firm tofu or chickpeas, keeping the creamy cheese base and crunchy topping intact.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut yogurt, and nutritional yeast instead of traditional dairy products for those with lactose intolerance.

Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Comfort Food Feast: Serve this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with a side of crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add a fresh crunch.
• Hearty Dinner Companion: Pair the casserole with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to create a complete, nutritious meal that satisfies every taste bud.
• Game Night Gathering: Transform this dish into a party favorite by cutting into smaller portions and serving as a hot appetizer with toothpicks, perfect for social gatherings and potlucks.
• Leftover Magic: Reheat individual portions the next day and wrap in a warm tortilla for a quick lunch wrap that repurposes the delicious casserole into a brand new meal.

Storage Advice for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool the casserole completely before transferring to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Separate the casserole into individual portions for easier reheating and storage.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this casserole creamy?

The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese creates an incredibly rich and smooth texture that gives the casserole its signature creamy consistency.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option and works wonderfully in this casserole, providing tender and flavorful meat without extra cooking.

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a great dish for children. The cheesy, creamy texture and mild seasonings make it appealing to kids, and it’s an easy way to get them to eat protein.

Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern million dollar chicken casserole blends creamy, cheesy comfort with hearty protein. Crispy crackers crown this crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave at potlucks and family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

Cheeses:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup sour cream
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy mixture by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Distribute the chicken mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
4. Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed crackers with melted butter in a separate bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbly texture and golden-brown cracker topping.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the casserole.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as healthier alternatives to traditional dairy ingredients.
• Customize the topping by substituting crackers with gluten-free options or panko breadcrumbs for different texture variations.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making meal prep easier for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg