Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Today I’m bringing you a casserole so rich, so creamy, and so wonderfully savory, you’ll immediately understand why we call it the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! This dish is the very definition of comfort food—it’s loaded with four kinds of creamy goodness, packed with tender chicken, and topped with a buttery, crispy Ritz cracker crust that is truly non-negotiable.¹ Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners and potlucks alike. It’s a simple, fuss-free recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, and your family will be asking for it every single week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Ultimate Comfort: It’s ridiculously creamy and cheesy, enveloping you in that warm, nostalgic feeling only a great casserole can provide.
• Simple to Master: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is easy enough for even a beginner cook, making it the perfect weeknight staple.
• A Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is guaranteed to be the star of any potluck or gathering—people will be begging you for the secret!
• That Topping, Though: The buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker and Parmesan crust is the perfect finish to the rich, velvety filling.

Ingredients

All you need for this incredible Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a little prep time and a few pantry staples! This combination of ingredients creates a luxurious and deeply satisfying flavor that makes this recipe so famous.

• Cooked Shredded Chicken: The hearty, comforting base for our casserole. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a serious time-saver!
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds a deep, savory flavor and ensures the filling is perfectly moist and creamy.
• Cream Cheese (Softened): This is where the “million dollar” richness comes from! It melts seamlessly to create an ultra-smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a lovely, mild tanginess that cuts through the richness and balances the heavy flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Keeps the filling incredibly moist and adds a subtle richness that truly elevates the base.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Our main cheesy goodness! We use it both in the filling for meltiness and on top for a beautiful, golden crust.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Mixed into the topping, it adds a salty, umami depth to the crunchy layer.
• Crushed Ritz Crackers: These are the key to the famous, buttery-crunchy golden topping—don’t skip them!
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): To bind the topping and give the crackers that irresistible, golden crisp.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: The essential savory duo! They layer in a foundational flavor without needing to sauté fresh aromatics.
• Dried Parsley: Mixed into the topping, it adds a subtle pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Paprika: A final sprinkle on top adds a lovely, warm red hue and a hint of smoky flavor to the finished dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, ensuring every layer of this casserole is perfectly seasoned.

The full ingredient list with exact measurements and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card right below the article!

How to Make the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Get ready to whip up this show-stopping dinner! It’s really just a matter of mixing and baking—easy peasy!

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to $350^{\circ} \text{F}$ ($175^{\circ} \text{C}$) and grab a standard $9 \times 13$-inch baking dish. Give it a light grease so nothing sticks!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In your largest mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or spatula to stir until this decadent mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese

Now, stir in the shredded chicken and $1 \frac{1}{2}$ cups of the cheddar cheese. Mix until every piece of chicken is lovingly coated in that rich, creamy sauce. Pour this gorgeous mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a separate, smaller bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley. Toss it gently until all the cracker crumbs are beautifully coated in the buttery goodness.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture. Finish it off by scattering the remaining $1/2$ cup of cheddar cheese over the crackers and dusting it all with a dash of paprika. Pop it into the oven for $30 \text{–} 35$ minutes, or until the top is bubbly and a lovely golden-brown color.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for just 5 minutes. This quick rest is key—it allows the flavors to settle and makes serving a clean, easy slice!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Rotisserie Chicken is Your Best Friend: Save yourself the cooking time! A store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfectly seasoned and shreds beautifully, cutting your prep time in half.
• Soften That Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This is essential for getting that silky, smooth base without any little lumps.
• For a Lighter Crunch: If you want an even crispier topping, you can toast the cracker crumbs in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes before mixing them with the butter.
• Seasoning is Key: Taste your creamy filling before you add it to the dish! Adjust the salt, pepper, or add a pinch of dried Italian seasoning if you like.

How to Serve

This casserole is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side dish to round out the meal!

• Green Salad: Pair this rich dish with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to add a fresh, vibrant contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy crunch.
• Bread on the Side: A crusty baguette or cheesy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping or making ahead for a busy night!

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole both baked and unbaked. For freezing unbaked, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the fresh topping just before baking.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave. For the whole casserole, cover it loosely with foil and bake at $325^{\circ} \text{F}$ until warmed through, about 20 minutes, or until bubbling.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! While cheddar is the classic choice for its sharp flavor and great melt, you can certainly experiment. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a mix with some smoked Gouda would be delicious. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well to maintain that luscious, creamy texture. This is your kitchen, so have fun with it!

2. Is there a substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer to skip the canned soup, you can make your own creamy white sauce from scratch! Simply whisk together butter, flour, and chicken broth/milk, and season heavily. This will give you a fresh-tasting base with the same creamy consistency, though it will add a few extra minutes to your prep time.

3. Can I add vegetables to make this a more complete meal?

Yes, please! This is a great way to sneak in some color and nutrition. Stir in $1/2$ to 1 cup of frozen peas, chopped broccoli florets, or corn kernels when you add the shredded chicken. Just make sure they are thawed first if they are frozen so they don’t water down the casserole.

4. Why is my topping not as crunchy as I’d like it to be?

There are a couple of tricks for maximum crunch! First, make sure your butter-to-cracker ratio is correct—the butter is what helps them crisp up. Second, be sure to bake the casserole uncovered. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil for the last $10 \text{–} 15$ minutes of baking, but keeping it exposed initially is key for that perfect, golden-brown crisp.