If you’re searching for a rich and creamy dinner that’s as effortless as it is irresistible, look no further than the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. This dish delivers layers of savory chicken, a dreamy cheese blend, and a mouthwatering buttery cracker topping, making it the ultimate comfort food to share with family or friends. Whether you’re feeding a hungry household on a weeknight or craving something heartwarming and special, this casserole truly tastes like a million bucks!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing better than a recipe that combines just the right ingredients to create pure magic! The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is deliciously simple, but every ingredient has its own starring role—working together to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and crunch.
- Shredded Chicken: Tender, juicy cooked chicken is the backbone of this dish—rotisserie chicken works like a charm for quick prep.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese melts smoothly into the casserole, bringing luscious creaminess to each bite.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and rich texture that sets off the cheesy filling.
- Mayonnaise: A bit of mayo boosts flavor and keeps the casserole extra moist.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar brings a melty, cheesy punch that everyone loves.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a hint of nutty, salty depth to the cheese layer.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion Powder: A gentle onion flavor blends perfectly with the creamy base.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the savory elements.
- Black Pepper: A pinch of pepper balances the richness with gentle spice.
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed crackers form a golden, buttery crown you’ll crave.
- Melted Butter: Tossed with crackers, it guarantees a flaky, crispy topping.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A sprinkle just before serving adds fresh color and a pop of flavor.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish (or something similar) to ensure your casserole lifts out effortlessly once baked. This step is quick but makes clean-up so much easier later!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended—this creamy concoction is your flavor-packed foundation.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Fold in the cooked shredded chicken, making sure every piece is lavishly coated by that creamy, cheesy mix. This is what makes the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe so indulgent: no dry bites here!
Step 4: Layer in the Baking Dish
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared dish. Take a moment to smooth out the top—you want every scoop to be packed with goodness.
Step 5: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a separate small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is beautifully coated. Scatter this buttery, golden mixture evenly over the chicken layer, creating a perfect contrasting crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the top to turn golden brown and the edges to bubble—this means it’s perfectly cooked!
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole sit for about five minutes after removing it from the oven. This gives the flavors time to settle and makes serving a breeze. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, pretty finish if you like.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
You can never go wrong with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that vivid pop of green. For a fun twist, try a dash of paprika or some finely sliced green onions for added flavor and color. Each adds an extra layer that makes this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe feel just a little fancier for special occasions, too.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a standout on its own, but you’ll love it with comforting sides! Serve it over fluffy rice or tender egg noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a fresh balance, classic green beans or a crisp green salad on the side make dinner feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the casserole into individual ramekins for elegant single servings—perfect for dinner parties! For a potluck or family gathering, double the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe and serve in a large, pretty baking dish. Feeling playful? Scoop the casserole onto warm biscuits for a Southern-inspired spin that’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers (if you’re lucky)? Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions into airtight containers. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe will keep well in the fridge for up to three days while still tasting delicious and creamy with every reheat.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole, making it a lifesaver for busy nights! Simply let the fully cooked casserole cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep its trademark taste and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—usually about 20 to 25 minutes if thawed, or a bit longer from frozen. For microwave reheating, cover individual portions and heat in one-minute bursts until piping hot. The crackers regain their crunch best with a quick stint in the oven!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra depth of flavor. Simply shred the meat and fold it in with the creamy ingredients as directed.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
You bet. Assemble the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe up to a day in advance. Just keep the cracker topping separate until you’re ready to bake so it stays perfectly crisp.
What kinds of cheese work best?
Sharp cheddar gives the best melt and flavor, but feel free to mix things up—try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a dash of pepper jack for a little heat!
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
All you need to do is use gluten-free crackers in place of Ritz and double-check that all your other ingredients (like the chicken and cheese) are gluten-free. It works beautifully!
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Of course! Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked peas can be folded in with the chicken mixture to add color and a nutritional boost to your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something extra special about gathering around a hearty, cheesy bake, and this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe delivers comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re making dinner for loved ones or prepping meals for the week, I can’t recommend this casserole enough. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes a new family tradition!
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that boasts a rich and creamy texture with a crispy, buttery topping. This easy-to-make comfort food is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 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
Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Gently fold in the shredded chicken.
- Spread mixture: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Prepare topping: In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Great served over rice, noodles, or with a side of green beans.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Enhance the flavor by adding cooked bacon or green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
