Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated, the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This creamy, cheesy casserole blends tender chicken with a rich medley of cream cheese, sour cream, and savory seasonings, all topped with a perfectly crunchy Ritz cracker crust and melted mozzarella. It’s that kind of comfort food that comforts the soul yet impresses family and friends with its harmonious layers of flavor and texture. Once you try this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners and special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and accessible ingredients is half the fun with this casserole. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s creating that creamy base, adding a savory punch, or delivering a crunchy, golden topping that makes every bite irresistible.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Diced or shredded, this forms the hearty protein foundation for the casserole.
- Cream cheese (225 g, softened): Adds luscious creaminess and binds all the flavors together.
- Cottage cheese (240 g): Offers a subtle texture and mild tanginess for depth.
- Sour cream (240 g): Brings a fresh, tangy contrast that brightens the dish.
- Mayonnaise (240 g): Contributes richness and smoothness throughout the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 298 g): Infuses a comforting, savory base with classic flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides aromatic warmth and mild pungency.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to elevate every ingredient.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (100 g): Sprinkled for a sharp, salty finish beneath the topping.
- Crushed Ritz crackers (1 cup, 80 g): Creates a buttery, crispy crust that crowns the casserole.
- Unsalted butter (225 g, melted): Binds the cracker topping and adds richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (120 g): Melts into a gooey, golden layer on top.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note for garnish.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mix the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C so it’s hot and ready when your casserole goes in. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Use a spatula or mixer to blend these together until silky smooth—this creamy base is what makes the casserole so decadently rich and cozy.
Step 2: Season and Add Chicken
Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. These simple spices unlock layers of savory goodness in the casserole’s creamy mixture. Once seasoned, gently fold in the cooked chicken, making sure every bite will have tender chicken coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Layers
Lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken and cheese mixture evenly across the base. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan generously on top—this cheese forms a flavorful foundation for the cracker topping and adds a deliciously sharp edge.
Step 4: Create the Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter until every crumb is coated and ready to crisp up beautifully. Spread this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, covering the Parmesan layer completely. Finally, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it out for an ooey-gooey golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown, bubbling around the edges, and irresistibly crispy. Let it rest for 10 minutes once out of the oven to help the casserole set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor. This final touch transforms your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe into a truly show-stopping dish.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives lends a lovely green contrast and herbal brightness, perfect for balancing the casserole’s rich flavors. A dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of hot sauce also works wonders if you want to spice things up.
Side Dishes
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp garden salads, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. For a truly hearty meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a light jasmine rice complement the casserole’s savory, creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant dinner party presentation. Or layer it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach before baking to add an exciting twist on the traditional casserole. You could even transform leftovers into a loaded baked potato topping—pure comfort reinvented.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole’s flavors only deepen as it rests, making for even tastier lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. To freeze, place the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and store for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through, which helps keep the cracker topping crispy. You can also microwave servings for convenience, but the crust may soften slightly. A quick broil for a minute or two after microwaving revives the crunch perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves prep time. Just shred or dice the meat before mixing it into the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts to keep the crunchy topping without gluten. Just be sure to check all your other ingredients for gluten content as well.
Can I prepare the casserole the day before?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it a little longer to ensure it’s heated through evenly.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade or lighter option, make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk seasoned with salt and pepper. This will still give you a creamy base without canned soup.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
You’ll see a golden-brown, bubbly top with crispy edges—that’s your signal. If you want to be sure, insert a knife in the center and check that it’s hot to the touch. Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking before serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food magic, a dish that feels special but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in cozy leftovers, it never fails to satisfy. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight winner that everyone asks for again and again.
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken combined with a blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and flavorful seasonings. Topped with a crunchy buttered Ritz cracker layer, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella cheese, this comforting casserole delivers a golden, bubbly finish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (about 280 g) cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 240 g cottage cheese
- 240 g sour cream
- 240 g mayonnaise
- 1 can (298 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup (80 g) crushed Ritz crackers
- 225 g unsalted butter, melted
- 120 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and wait until it reaches full temperature to ensure even baking.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Season the Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Fold in Chicken: Gently fold the diced or shredded cooked chicken into the creamy mixture, coating all pieces evenly without overmixing.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9 inch) baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the surface of the chicken mixture to add flavor and create a base for the topping.
- Make Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted unsalted butter, mixing until the crumbs are fully coated.
- Top Casserole: Spread the buttered cracker mixture evenly on top of the casserole to provide a crunchy texture after baking.
- Add Mozzarella: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the cracker mixture for a melty, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
- Rest: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes to set and allow for easier slicing.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the casserole before serving warm.
Notes
- Use fully cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken, for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, as cream-based ingredients may contain sodium.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with lighter alternatives.
- Crushed Ritz crackers create the classic buttery topping, but panko or breadcrumbs can be used as alternatives.
- The casserole can be assembled a few hours ahead and baked just before serving; store covered in the fridge.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
