Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s quick to prep, easily made ahead of time, and always a hit with both kids and adults. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the rich filling. It’s also versatile—you can add veggies, change up the protein, or make it low-carb. It’s called “Million Dollar” for a reason—it tastes like a million bucks.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ritz crackers, crushed
- Butter, melted
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the shredded chicken until evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Spread the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, broccoli, or cooked spinach for a more complete meal.
- Use Different Soups: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a new flavor twist.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the crackers or replace with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for added cheese pull.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper to the filling.
- Pasta or Rice Base: Serve over cooked noodles or rice to stretch the dish even further.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot, or bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
This casserole can also be frozen. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch, though freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and texture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
You can use crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or club crackers as an alternative.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and crackers to make a gluten-free version.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers in individual portions.
What sides go well with this casserole?
Serve with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple steamed veggie like green beans.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
How do I keep the cracker topping from getting soggy?
Bake uncovered to keep the topping crispy. Avoid adding the cracker topping too far ahead of baking.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, try mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, or a cheese blend for variety.
Is it okay to add bacon?
Definitely. Crumbled cooked bacon adds great texture and flavor to this dish.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor—everything you want in a family-friendly baked dinner. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a dish that’s rich enough for special occasions yet easy enough for a regular weeknight. Whether you’re serving a crowd or saving leftovers for later, this casserole is worth every bite.
PrintMillion Dollar Chicken Casserole
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy comfort food dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30 crackers)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken until well coated.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Substitute cream of mushroom or celery soup for different flavors.
- Add cooked vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Use gluten-free soup and crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Freeze leftovers or the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
