Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Rich, Comforting Classic Everyone Will Love

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a beloved family favorite known for its creamy texture, cheesy richness, and crunchy buttery topping. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. With simple pantry staples and cooked chicken, you can whip up a meal that pleases everyone around the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this casserole brings comforting flavors with a satisfying crunch in every bite.

This casserole earned its “million dollar” name because of the combination of rich ingredients—creamy soups, sour cream, mayonnaise, and two types of cheese—that blend together into a luscious filling. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a golden crust that balances the creamy base perfectly. You’ll find the texture contrast and flavor harmony irresistible. Plus, it’s very flexible—you can use leftover chicken or freshly cooked chicken, add veggies if you like, or tweak the cheeses according to your preference.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole from start to finish, including helpful tips, serving ideas, storage suggestions, and answers to common questions to make your cooking experience smooth and successful.

Ingredients

For this recipe serving approximately 6–8 people, gather the following:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will be thick, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crackers are fully coated. This buttery crumb topping will add that irresistible crunch.

Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, covering it completely.

Step 4: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. You can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want a crispier, deeper golden crust—just watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Use fully cooked chicken for best results—rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. For more flavor, season the chicken before adding it to the mixture. If you want to sneak in veggies, add cooked broccoli, peas, or mushrooms to the filling. Mix them in along with the chicken and cheeses. Using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded ensures better melting and texture. If you prefer a sharper flavor, increase the cheddar cheese or add a bit of Parmesan to the topping. Don’t skip resting the casserole before serving; it helps it firm up for cleaner slices. For a lower-fat option, substitute light sour cream and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. You can also swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery soup to vary the flavor. Be sure to crush the Ritz crackers finely for an even topping that crisps nicely.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 28g

Nutritional values may vary depending on brands and exact ingredient measurements.

Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. It also works well as a potluck dish or buffet item because it reheats beautifully and maintains flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the topping to lose its crispness. This casserole also freezes well—freeze in a covered casserole dish or freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. With creamy chicken, layers of melted cheese, and a crispy buttery cracker topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Easy to prepare and customizable to your taste, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or potlucks. Give this recipe a try—you’ll understand why it’s called “million dollar” in every delicious bite.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use leftover chicken for this casserole?
A: Yes, leftover chicken works perfectly. Just shred or dice it before mixing with the other ingredients.

Q2: Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
A: Absolutely! Cooked broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or green beans all make great additions.

Q3: What can I substitute for Ritz crackers?
A: You can use crushed saltine crackers, buttery breadcrumbs, or panko for a different topping texture.

Q4: Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, it freezes well before or after baking. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.

Q5: Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A: For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cream soup if available.

Q6: How can I make the topping extra crispy?
A: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to prevent burning.

Q7: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A: Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q8: What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
A: Fresh salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf are excellent complements.