Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked shredded chicken; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed; 4 tbsp butter, melted; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is pure comfort food and a breeze to throw together. It’s made with simple pantry staples, takes minimal prep, and bakes into a creamy, cheesy, golden-topped dish that’s impossible to resist. It’s great for meal prepping, freezer-friendly, and ideal for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or when you need to bring a dish to someone in need. It’s the kind of cozy recipe that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked shredded chicken
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Cream of chicken soup
Mayonnaise
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Ritz crackers (crushed)
Butter (melted)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and well combined.
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken until evenly coated.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until fully coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Add veggies: Mix in peas, broccoli, or cooked spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy twist: Add diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
Low-carb version: Serve without a starch or use cauliflower rice as a base.
Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Crunchy topping: Substitute crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for Ritz.
More protein: Stir in crumbled cooked bacon or diced ham.

Storage/Reheating

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well and break it up before mixing.

What kind of cream cheese should I use?

Use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese. Avoid whipped varieties for best texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to cook the chicken first?

Yes, the chicken should be fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream if you prefer a lighter option.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can make a homemade version using a roux with chicken broth and milk, or use cream of mushroom as an alternative.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

Use two forks or a hand mixer to quickly shred cooked chicken breasts or thighs.

Can I add pasta to this casserole?

Yes, mix in cooked pasta for a heartier dish, or serve the casserole over noodles.

Will this casserole freeze well?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Freeze before or after baking, just ensure it’s tightly sealed.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, bringing comfort food to a friend, or prepping meals ahead, this casserole delivers flavor and satisfaction every time. Customize it to your liking, freeze it for later, and enjoy a warm, comforting bite that truly tastes like a million bucks.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish made with tender shredded chicken, a rich cream cheese mixture, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or freezer meals.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
Stir in the shredded chicken until evenly coated.
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until coated.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for more nutrition.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream soup and crackers.
This casserole freezes well—before or after baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 530
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 910mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg