Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

The Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Ever Made

Crafting a million dollar chicken casserole might just be the culinary adventure you’ve been searching for.

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delectable dish.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crispy toppings, creating a symphony of flavors.

Hearty ingredients come together in a way that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, melted layers that make this recipe shine.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can produce such an impressive meal.

Prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this mouthwatering creation that promises pure deliciousness.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

The key ingredients include cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Ritz cracker crumbs with butter for the topping.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it crispy.

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in shredding chicken yourself. Just pull the meat apart and mix it into the creamy base.

What Makes Million Dollar Chicken Casserole So Special

  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Minimal prep work and easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe a winner for busy families and beginner cooks looking to impress.
  • Quick Family Feast: Transform ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hunger and brings everyone together around the dinner table with minimal fuss.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or when you need a delicious dish that requires little effort but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded and serves as the primary protein for the casserole.
Dairy and Creamy Base:
  • Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Ricotta Cheese: Provide a rich, smooth, and creamy texture to the casserole.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a mild, stretchy cheese element.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Enhances the creamy consistency and adds depth of flavor.
Seasoning and Topping:
  • Garlic Salt, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Contribute layers of savory and aromatic seasonings.
  • Ritz Cracker Crumbs: Create a crispy, buttery topping for the casserole.
  • Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and adds richness to the topping.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal garnish for visual appeal and light flavor.

How to Prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

How to Prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Whip Together Creamy Goodness

In a large mixing bowl, blend these delightful ingredients:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Garlic salt
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper

Stir everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Introduce Chicken and Cheese

Gently fold in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Mozzarella cheese

Mix until every bite promises maximum deliciousness.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the dish.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Ritz cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter

Sprinkle this crispy mixture all over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown top and heated-through center.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve this mouthwatering casserole while it’s steaming hot.

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • Select high-quality chicken and recently purchased dairy products for maximum flavor and creaminess.
  • Use two forks to pull apart warm, cooked chicken for tender, consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Crush Ritz crackers coarsely to maintain a crispy, rustic texture that adds delightful crunch to the dish.
  • Pat chicken dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture and ensure a rich, creamy consistency without becoming watery.
  • Taste the cheese mixture before adding chicken and modify garlic salt or pepper levels to suit personal preferences.

Variations on Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Casserole: Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed rice cereal. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to ensure complete dietary compatibility.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, jackfruit, or chickpeas. Use vegetable cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use full-fat cream cheese and skip the crackers to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and swap mozzarella for feta cheese. Incorporate oregano and basil for a Mediterranean herb profile that transforms the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • Cozy Family Feast: Perfect for Sunday dinners with loved ones, this rich casserole brings comfort and warmth to the table.
  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where its creamy texture and crispy topping will wow everyone.
  • Leftover Magic Transformer: Repurpose extra rotisserie chicken or roasted chicken for an easy weeknight meal that feels gourmet.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making dinner planning a breeze.

How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date and contents.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
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Description

Million dollar chicken casserole brings comfort and elegance to dinner tables with its creamy, cheesy layers of pure deliciousness. Southern-style comfort meets gourmet flavor, promising a memorable meal that will delight your family and guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 cups (about 2 pounds) shredded white meat chicken
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup (170 grams) ricotta cheese

Creamy Base and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken with herbs
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

  • 1 1/2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs (from 1 sleeve)
  • 1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure smooth release.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, cream of chicken soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  3. Gently incorporate shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the creamy mixture.
  4. Transfer the blended mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
  5. Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs and combine with melted butter, creating a rich, textured topping.
  6. Distribute the buttery cracker crumbs across the casserole’s surface, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
  7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crispy topping and ensuring the interior reaches a steaming hot temperature.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and casserole to stabilize.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and added freshness before serving warm.

Notes

  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the casserole.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version without compromising taste.
  • Create a gluten-free option by substituting Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
  • Enhance protein content by adding diced vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg

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Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.

Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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