Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Looking for a casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely decadent? The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is exactly what you need! This rich and satisfying dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese mixtures, and crunchy crackers, delivering a flavor that truly tastes like a million bucks. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this casserole is an easy crowd-pleaser. Read on to learn how to make this creamy, cheesy comfort food, along with tips, variations, and ways to make it your own!

What Is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish made with shredded chicken, a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, all topped with a buttery cracker crust. The name comes from its ultra-rich, "million dollar" taste and texture—luxuriously creamy and cheesy, with a crunchy, golden topping. This casserole is quick to put together, and it's a perfect way to use up leftover chicken. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins for a personalized twist.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works great, or use any leftover cooked chicken.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – For that rich, creamy texture.
• ½ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and helps with the creaminess.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – For richness and flavor.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Makes the casserole cheesy and gooey.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Adds flavor and richness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a touch of extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the savory flavor profile.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing the flavors.
• ½ cup chicken broth – To keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 1 ½ cups crushed) – For a buttery, crunchy topping.
• 4 tablespoons melted butter – To combine with the crackers for the crispy topping.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Meat Alternatives: Swap the chicken for turkey or ham for a different protein option. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to use different cheese blends. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack can add different flavors to the dish.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping, and ensure your mayonnaise and broth are gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the cracker topping or use crushed pork rinds instead for a low-carb option. You can also add extra veggies to bulk up the casserole without the carbs.
• Vegetables: Add cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas to the casserole for extra nutrition and color. Mushrooms or bell peppers would also be great additions.
• Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make a delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that will wow your family and friends:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.

3. Add the Chicken and Cheese

To the creamy mixture, fold in the shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated and the cheeses are evenly distributed.

4. Add Chicken Broth for Moisture

Pour in the chicken broth and stir until the mixture is well combined. The chicken broth helps keep the casserole moist and prevents it from drying out while baking.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer.

6. Prepare the Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are well-coated and buttery. This will give your casserole a crispy, golden topping.

7. Top the Casserole

Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.

8. Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

9. Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness!

How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the creamy base of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and seasonings.
3. Add the shredded chicken and cheeses to the creamy mixture and stir.
4. Pour in chicken broth to keep the casserole moist.
5. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and smooth it out.
6. Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter to create the crispy topping.
7. Top the casserole with the cracker mixture.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish and serve with fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole turns out perfect:

• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese will result in a lumpy mixture.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. Overbaking can dry out the casserole, especially around the edges.
• Not Using Enough Chicken Broth: The chicken broth helps keep the casserole from drying out. Don’t skip this step, especially if using dry or lean chicken.
• Under-seasoning: Be sure to season the creamy base generously with salt and pepper. The cream cheese and sour cream can be bland without enough seasoning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with several sides. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your casserole:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing will balance the richness of the casserole.
• Pair with Vegetables: Steamed or roasted veggies like green beans, broccoli, or carrots are a great way to add color and nutrition to the meal.
• Serve with Rice or Mashed Potatoes: The casserole is great with a starchy side to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Make It a Full Meal: Add some dinner rolls or garlic bread to serve alongside the casserole for a complete comfort meal.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This casserole is incredibly versatile, but here are some perfect sides to serve it with:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color and flavor to the plate.
• Green Salad: A simple salad with a citrusy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or a potato gratin complement the cheesy, creamy texture of the casserole.
• Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To make your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole look as delicious as it tastes, consider these presentation ideas:

• Top with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in an Elegant Casserole Dish: Use a decorative baking dish to make your casserole look more appealing on the table.
• Individual Servings: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more formal presentation, perfect for dinner parties.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! Canned chicken can be used as a time-saver. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing it with the creamy base.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Q: Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole is freezer-friendly. Assemble it and freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Conclusion

The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that lives up to its luxurious name. With its rich flavors and crispy topping, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or treating your family to a special weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, making it a go-to recipe for busy cooks who still want to deliver an unforgettable meal. Try it today and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of a casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Print