Cozy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe for Dreamy Dinners

Creamy and comforting, this million dollar chicken casserole brings restaurant-quality magic right into your kitchen.

Southern home cooks have perfected this delectable dish through generations of culinary love.

Layers of tender chicken, velvety cream cheese, and buttery crackers create an irresistible combination that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, offering a warm embrace of flavor in every single bite.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore how simple yet spectacular this recipe becomes with minimal effort.

Cheese lovers especially appreciate the rich, melted goodness that makes this casserole truly unforgettable.

You cannot resist the temptation of this crowd-pleasing meal that turns ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

FAQs

• Is this dish healthy?

While delicious, this casserole is high in calories and fat due to cream cheese, sour cream, and butter. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as a comfort food treat.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and mix into the creamy base for an easy preparation.

• How can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

• What if I don't have cottage cheese?

No problem! You can replace cottage cheese with more cream cheese or ricotta cheese. The goal is to maintain a creamy texture in the casserole.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Why It’s a Crowd-Pleaser

• Whip Up Comfort: Creamy, cheesy casserole that wraps you in warm, satisfying flavors perfect for those nights when you crave something indulgent and delicious.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Super easy to assemble with basic ingredients, minimal chopping, and straightforward mixing that even beginner cooks can master without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Packed with rich, savory chicken and a crunchy buttery cracker topping that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Comes together rapidly with just a few steps, requiring less than an hour from start to finish, which means you can have a hearty meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Cream Cheese: A rich and creamy base that adds smoothness to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and helps create a creamy texture.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and protein to the dish.
• Shredded Chicken: The primary protein that makes this casserole hearty and satisfying.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Contributes a sharp and melty cheese flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Bring depth and savory notes to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor.

• Ritz Crackers: Create a crunchy and buttery golden topping.
• Butter: Helps the cracker topping become crisp and golden.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor to the finished dish.

How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius) to get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Blend

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

Whip everything together until the mixture looks silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 3: Welcome the Chicken

Gently fold in the shredded chicken, stirring until every morsel is beautifully coated with the cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Transfer the luxurious mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 5: Craft the Crunchy Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crackers are perfectly coated and ready to add some crunch.

Step 6: Add the Crispy Layer

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture across the top of the casserole, ensuring an even, tempting coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is piping hot and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

For an extra pop of flavor, scatter some chopped green onions on top before serving (totally optional but totally delicious).

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Use rotisserie or freshly cooked shredded chicken for maximum flavor and easiest preparation.
• Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smoother mixing and creamier texture.
• Crush Ritz crackers just before topping to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Variations for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Low-Carb Chicken Delight: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version, maintaining the creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream, coconut yogurt, and tofu ricotta to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and taco seasoning to the chicken mixture, then top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute shredded chicken with diced tofu, chickpeas, or plant-based chicken alternative, keeping the creamy base and crunchy topping intact.

Serving Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Comfort Plate Pairings: Serve this creamy chicken casserole over fluffy white rice for a complete meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Hearty Side Kick: Pair with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli to add a fresh, crisp vegetable element that balances the rich casserole.
• Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or chives on top for a bright, zesty garnish that adds color and a light onion flavor.
• Bread Buddy: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to help guests scoop up every last creamy bite of the casserole.

How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring optimal freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp cracker topping.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Million dollar chicken casserole combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken in a comforting dish. Home cooks appreciate its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors that bring warmth to any dinner table.

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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

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gently soften cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth blending of ingredients.
2. Whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cheddar, and seasonings until achieving a uniform, velvety consistency.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout.
4. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by thoroughly coating with cooking spray or butter.
5. Carefully spread the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, creating an even layer.
6. Crush Ritz crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor.
7. Melt butter and thoroughly combine with cracker crumbs to create a golden, crispy topping.
8. Evenly distribute the buttery cracker mixture across the entire surface of the casserole.
9. Position the uncovered dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the topping turns a rich, golden brown.
11. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to help set the creamy texture.
12. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor before serving.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing different varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor complexity.
• Swap regular chicken with rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken to reduce preparation time and add deeper taste profiles.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the crunchy topping.
• Reduce calorie content by using low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and reduced-fat cheddar without compromising the rich, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg