Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Looking for a comforting, creamy, and cheesy casserole that will satisfy the whole family? This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is an absolute showstopper! Packed with tender chicken, rich cream cheese, sour cream, and loads of shredded cheese, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this dish truly tastes like a million bucks. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this casserole will be a hit. Stick around for the full recipe and some helpful tips to make it perfect every time.

this Recipe

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What is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheeses, and mayonnaise. The filling is topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, making it deliciously crunchy on top while remaining creamy underneath. The recipe is aptly named because of its decadent, rich flavors—similar to what you’d expect from a million-dollar meal! It’s an easy-to-make, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.

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Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Here’s everything you need to make this rich and indulgent casserole:

Main Ingredients:

1. Cooked Chicken: 4 cups, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
2. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
3. Sour Cream: 1 cup
4. Mayonnaise: ½ cup
5. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup
6. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup
7. Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
8. Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
9. Salt and Pepper: To taste

Topping:

1. Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve, crushed (about 1 ½ cups)
2. Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
3. Fresh Parsley: For garnish (optional)

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Substitutions and Variations

This casserole is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

1. Chicken: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use any cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Shredded turkey also works well if you’re making this dish post-holidays!
2. Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella provide the perfect cheesy balance, you can switch it up with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda for a richer flavor.
3. Mayonnaise: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt or more sour cream in place of mayonnaise.
4. Ritz Crackers: Swap out the Ritz crackers for crushed Club crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even cornflakes for a slightly different crunch.
5. Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to make a vegetarian version.
6. Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is super easy and can be done in just a few steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

1. Combine the Creamy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
2. Fold in the Chicken: Add the shredded chicken to the creamy mixture and stir until the chicken is fully coated with the cheese mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the Mixture: Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping

1. Crush the Crackers: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated.
2. Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Garnish

1. Rest: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.
2. Garnish: If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

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How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of how to make this rich and creamy casserole:

1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and shredded cheeses, then fold in the shredded chicken.
2. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture in a greased baking dish.
3. Make the Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle it on top of the chicken.
4. Bake: Bake until golden brown and bubbly, then let it rest before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Be sure to let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
2. Overcooking the Chicken: If using pre-cooked chicken breasts, make sure they aren’t overcooked as this could make the casserole dry. Rotisserie chicken is a great option for tenderness and flavor.
3. Too Little Cheese: The cheese mixture is the star of this casserole, so don’t skimp on it! Stick to the recommended amounts for the best, gooey result.
4. Forgetting the Butter in the Topping: The butter in the Ritz cracker topping is essential for achieving that deliciously crispy and golden crust. Don’t leave it out!

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

• Portioning: Use a large spoon to scoop out generous portions or slice the casserole into squares for a more structured serving.
• Side Dishes: Pair this rich casserole with simple side dishes like a green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to balance out the flavors.

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Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

• Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for a bright pop of color.
• Serving Dish: Serve in a rustic casserole dish or a colorful baking dish for an attractive presentation, especially for potlucks or family gatherings.

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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
• Freezing Option: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe since it's already cooked, tender, and flavorful. It saves time and adds great flavor to the dish.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just assemble it, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How long does this casserole last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last for about 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven.

Can I make this casserole without Ritz crackers?

Yes, if you prefer to skip the crackers, you can use crushed panko breadcrumbs or leave off the topping entirely. The buttery crunch from the crackers adds texture, but the casserole will still be delicious without it.

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Conclusion

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a buttery cracker topping into one decadent dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, or even potlucks, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite. Whether you follow the recipe as is or customize it with your favorite ingredients, the result will always be rich, cheesy, and satisfying. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a million-dollar meal tonight!

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