The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting dinner that truly lives up to its name by tasting like a million bucks. This easy weeknight staple combines tender shredded chicken with a velvety blend of cheeses and a signature buttery Ritz cracker topping that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a “kicked-up” version of the classic chicken poppy seed casserole many of us grew up eating. You will love it because it uses simple pantry staples and requires very little prep time, especially if you use a rotisserie chicken. It is the ultimate comfort food that provides a perfect balance of creamy textures and a salty, crunchy topping. Plus, it is incredibly versatile and can be made ahead of time for busy evenings or frozen for later use.
Ingredients
- 4 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and the cream of chicken soup. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To get the best results with your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, ensure your cream cheese is completely at room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps in your sauce. If you want to control the sodium levels, always opt for the unsalted versions of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup. For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of dried parsley or fresh chives before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
While the base recipe is delicious, you can easily customize this dish. If you do not have chicken, leftover turkey works beautifully in this casserole. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery. To add some nutrients, try folding in a cup of cooked vegetables such as:
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Green peas
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Chopped spinach
- Diced bell peppers
Serving Suggestions
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is quite rich, so it pairs perfectly with sides that offer a bit of contrast. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter balance, a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans works wonderfully. If you want a heartier meal, serve it alongside some warm, crusty garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole either baked or unbaked. To freeze, wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing unbaked, wait to add the cracker topping until you are ready to bake.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350ºF for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 465 kcal |
| Total Fat | 31g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 29g |
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and the cream of chicken soup. Stir until everything is well incorporated.4 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp dried onion powder
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated.1 sleeve Ritz crackers, 5 Tbsp butter
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Notes
FAQ
Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken mixture and spread it into the pan a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator, but wait to add the buttery cracker topping until just before you put it in the oven to ensure it stays crunchy.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, but poached chicken breasts, baked thighs, or even leftover grilled chicken work great.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this gluten-free, use a gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with your favorite gluten-free buttery cracker crumbs.
Do I have to use cottage cheese?
The cottage cheese adds moisture and a unique texture that defines this recipe. However, if you really dislike it, you can substitute it with more sour cream or Greek yogurt, though the texture will be slightly different.