Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve); 4 tbsp melted butter

Rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavor, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is exactly what weeknight dinners crave. It’s the kind of dish that turns simple pantry staples into something extraordinary. With shredded chicken coated in a luscious cream cheese mixture, a buttery cracker topping, and gooey melted cheese throughout, this recipe lives up to its “million dollar” name without a million ingredients.

Perfect for potlucks, busy family dinners, or make-ahead meals, this casserole brings hearty comfort to any table. It bakes into a golden, bubbling dish that pairs beautifully with greens, rolls, or roasted veggies. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers that reheat like a dream, this recipe earns its place in your rotation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this casserole effortless, having the right tools makes all the difference:

Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl will help you combine the creamy base thoroughly without spilling over.
Hand or Stand Mixer (Optional): For ultra-smooth cream cheese blending. Not required, but a bonus for texture.
9×13 Baking Dish: This is the ideal size for even baking and holding all the layers snugly.

Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps you scrape down the sides and fold ingredients together.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy ensures your casserole hits the right balance of creamy and savory.
Foil & Oven Mitts: Use foil to keep the top from overbrowning if needed. Mitts? Trusty as always.

These simple tools not only streamline the prep but ensure even cooking and a polished final dish.

Ingredients for the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Cooked Shredded Chicken: The heart of the dish. You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover baked or poached chicken. It brings protein and texture.
Cream Cheese: This makes the casserole rich and creamy. Softened to blend smoothly into the mixture.

Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and another layer of creaminess.
Mayonnaise: Boosts the creamy consistency and binds the filling.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the casserole for gooey, cheesy goodness.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning essentials for taste.
Crushed Ritz Crackers: The buttery topping that adds irresistible crunch.

Melted Butter: Helps the cracker topping bake up golden and crisp.

How To Make the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese

Fold in the shredded chicken and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5: Make and Add the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set slightly for easier scooping.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This casserole is a full comfort meal on its own, but pairing it right can elevate dinner to new heights. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus to balance out the richness. Buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread are perfect for scooping up every last creamy bite.

As for storing leftovers, this dish keeps incredibly well:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then wrap tightly or portion into containers. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.

To Reheat: Use the oven at 325°F for best texture or microwave single servings in 30-second intervals until heated through.

This makes it a great make-ahead or meal prep option too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, if you’re in a pinch, canned chicken will work. Just be sure to drain it well and fluff it with a fork.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything except the cracker topping. Store it in the fridge and add the topping just before baking.

What cheese works best here?

Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different melt and flavor combo.

Is there a gluten-free version?

Yes! Swap out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free butter crackers and make sure your mayo and seasonings are labeled gluten-free.

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Totally! Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas to bulk it up with extra nutrition.

What if I don’t like mayonnaise?

You can substitute with more sour cream or even Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you’re loving this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, don’t miss these other comforting casserole favorites from Life With Olivia:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for an ultra-cheesy pasta bake.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole when you crave Thanksgiving flavors all year round.
Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole for a fun, family-friendly twist.

Mexican Cornbread Casserole if you love a bit of spice with your comfort.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for an elegant spin on weeknight dinners.

Explore more of my daily recipes and cooking inspiration on Pinterest: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest casserole board so you can whip it up whenever comfort food calls.

I’d love to hear how your casserole turned out! Did you stick with the classic topping or try something different? Maybe added a little bacon or a veggie twist?

Share your take in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to keep dinner delicious.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery cracker crust. It’s an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner or meal prep solution that feels indulgent without requiring much fuss. With simple pantry ingredients and rotisserie chicken, this casserole is as convenient as it is delicious.