The Golden Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar chicken casserole that promises to steal the show at any dinner table.

Creamy layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with rich, velvety ingredients.

Cheesy goodness melts through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of flavors.

Packed with simple yet indulgent components, this dish feels like a warm culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this magical recipe.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making it a total game-changer for home cooks.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so easy can taste so extraordinary.

Why Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Is So Popular

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a creamy, cheesy casserole that brings everyone together with its irresistible blend of tender chicken and rich, velvety textures.
• Quick Kitchen Hero: Toss ingredients in a bowl, mix, and bake – this recipe saves precious time while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction for busy families.
• Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole adapts to any occasion with its simple yet delicious profile.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like extra herbs or vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: The star of the casserole that provides a hearty and tender protein base.

• Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Cottage Cheese: These dairy products create a rich, smooth, and tangy foundation that binds the casserole together.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty cheese flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the savory flavor profile of the casserole.
• Buttery Crackers, Melted Butter: Provide a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds crunch and richness to the dish.

How to Prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Chicken Filling

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

Blend all ingredients until they create a smooth, rich mixture.

Step 3: Spread Chicken Mixture

Transfer the creamy chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until well combined.

Step 5: Add Crispy Cracker Layer

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture across the top of the chicken filling, creating a golden, crunchy surface.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly interior and a beautifully golden-brown topping. Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors settle and make cutting easier.

Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lighter version of the casserole.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate the mixture for deeper flavor development.
• Use rotisserie chicken for quicker assembly and enhanced savory taste.
• Season the cracker topping with dried herbs like thyme or parsley for extra aromatic depth.
• Choose gluten-free crackers to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Variations for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Keto Chicken Casserole: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds, swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt, and use full-fat cream cheese to create a low-carb version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use plant-based cream cheese, and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or almond flour crumbs for the topping, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Version: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture, top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a zesty kick.

Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add a crisp contrast.
• Comfort Plate Companion: Pair with steamed rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and create a complete meal.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Transform leftovers into a breakfast delight by topping with a sunny-side-up egg and fresh chives for an extra morning punch.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Present in a beautiful ceramic dish with extra crackers on the side, making it an irresistible crowd-pleasing centerpiece for gatherings.

Best Storage Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe dish with a tight-fitting lid for freezer storage up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure.
• Reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves preparation time. Just shred the meat before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• What can I substitute for buttery crackers?

Ritz crackers are ideal, but you can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as alternatives. Just mix with melted butter for a crispy topping.

Irresistible Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Million dollar chicken casserole delivers creamy comfort on a plate. Cheesy layers and crispy topping make this Southern classic irresistible for family dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.

---

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 Other 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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are completely integrated.
3. Distribute the chicken mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
4. Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed buttery crackers with melted butter in a separate bowl, then generously sprinkle the mixture over the chicken layer to create a golden, crunchy surface.
5. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a rich golden-brown cracker topping.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier, creating a perfectly melded dish with contrasting textures.

Notes

• Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that keeps the creamy texture intact.
• Gluten-free option works perfectly by using gluten-free crackers instead of traditional buttery crackers.
• Prep chicken ahead of time by using rotisserie chicken or quickly poaching chicken breasts to save precious cooking time.
• Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the chicken mixture for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg