If you’re on the hunt for pure, cozy comfort, look no further than this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. Imagine juicy shredded chicken bathed in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce, then blanketed with a crispy cracker crust that bakes up golden and irresistible. Every bite is rich, satisfyingly savory, and perfect for sharing with friends and family on busy weeknights or special occasions. No wonder it’s called “million dollar”—this dish is truly worth its weight in happiness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Each component plays a starring role in building a casserole that’s creamy, flavorful, and delightfully crunchy around the edges.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds deep flavor, but any cooked chicken breast or thighs will do just as well.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the secret to making the filling unbelievably rich and creamy—let it come to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Brings a bold tang and feather-light texture to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Adds extra silkiness and a subtle savory depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts to golden perfection and gives the casserole its signature cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Offers a punch of umami and sharpness, balancing all the creamy elements.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses every bite with irresistible garlicky warmth—skip peeling and mincing!
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor base without any chopping required.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for making all the other flavors pop—taste before baking and adjust to your liking.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to give a hint of gentle heat and complexity.
- Buttery round crackers (1 sleeve, about 30, crushed): The crispy topper you’ll want on all your casseroles from now on.
- Melted butter (4 tablespoons): Helps the cracker topping bake up beautifully golden and flavorful.
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, green pop and a final flourish before serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start your journey by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spritz of nonstick spray or a light coating of oil. This not only keeps cleanup simple but ensures every cheesy edge lifts out perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whip everything together until the mixture is dreamy and totally lump-free—this is the luscious base that makes the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Fold in the Chicken
Gently fold your prepared shredded chicken into the creamy cheese mixture. Every strand should get coated in the sauce, transforming plain chicken into something decadent and crave-worthy. Work slowly to keep the mixture fluffy and well-blended.
Step 4: Spread in Baking Dish
Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture into your prepped baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly from corner to corner—this helps your casserole bake up consistently and ensures every portion gets a bit of everything.
Step 5: Prepare the Buttery Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery round crackers and melted butter. Give them a toss until all the cracker pieces are subtly glossy and perfectly coated in butter. This is the real “wow” factor of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe, adding both crunch and richness.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture in a generous, even layer over the chicken casserole. Slide the whole dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is deliciously hot and bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let your casserole rest for about five minutes when it comes out of the oven. This helps it set for clean slices. Just before serving, scatter on a handful of chopped fresh parsley if you like—it adds a dash of color and a whisper of freshness to every plate.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe already shines on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley just before serving elevates its visual appeal and adds a pop of herby brightness. If you want to get extra fancy, try a pinch of thinly sliced scallions or a dusting of additional Parmesan for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic sides. Try serving it alongside fluffy white rice, buttery noodles, or a light green salad to balance its richness. Roasted broccoli, simple sautéed spinach, or even steamed green beans are all ideal partners for rounding out your meal and making it feel complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe into individual ramekins for personalized servings at a dinner party. You can also serve it as a filling for baked potatoes or stuff it into mini bell peppers for a playful appetizer. No matter how you plate it, that creamy filling and crispy topping will steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the casserole tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days—the flavors deepen and meld, making each reheated bite even more satisfying.
Freezing
The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes surprisingly well! Assemble the entire casserole but hold off on the cracker topping. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, top with freshly mixed crackers and butter, then bake as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. For a crispier topping, uncover during the last few minutes. Individual servings can also be microwaved for quick and easy lunches, though the oven keeps that topping at its crunchiest.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds incredible flavor and will save you a lot of prep time. Just remove the meat from the bones, shred it, and fold it right into the creamy mixture.
What can I substitute for the crackers on top?
If you’re out of buttery crackers, try using crushed Ritz, club crackers, or even panko breadcrumbs tossed with melted butter. Each brings its own unique crunch, so feel free to experiment with what’s in your pantry!
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Stirring in cooked broccoli florets, spinach, or even peas is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and color. Just be sure to drain excess moisture so the casserole stays creamy, not watery.
Is there a lighter version of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe?
You can lighten things up by using reduced-fat cream cheese, light sour cream, and a tad less cheese or mayo. The casserole will still taste creamy and luxurious, though slightly less rich than the original.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free crackers for the topping, and double-check the rest of your ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well. Voila, a gluten-free version everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how simple ingredients come together in the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe to create a dish that feels both effortless and extravagant. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again, so gather your loved ones and treat them to creamy, crispy comfort at its best—you might find it becomes a new family favorite!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. A comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
For Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in shredded chicken.
- Spread mixture in baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the cracker topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe.
- You can add cooked broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- Pair with rice, pasta, or a green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
