Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

There’s comfort food, and then there’s Million Dollar Chicken Casserole—a creamy, cheesy, golden-topped bake that lives up to its name. This recipe takes tender shredded chicken and smothers it in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, sour cream, and condensed cream of chicken soup, then tops it all off with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. The result? A casserole so rich, satisfying, and downright cozy that it feels like a million bucks.

What makes this dish a weeknight favorite is how simple it is to throw together. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 10 minutes of prep, you can have this casserole ready to slide into the oven. The creamy filling is smooth and flavorful, while the cracker topping adds a perfectly crunchy contrast. It’s a dish that kids devour, guests rave about, and home cooks love because it’s nearly foolproof.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is also incredibly versatile. Serve it with a side salad for a lighter dinner, pair it with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal, or bring it to potlucks and family gatherings—it’s always a hit. If you’ve been looking for a chicken casserole recipe that delivers big on flavor without taking all night to make, this is the one to bookmark.

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What Makes This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Special?

• Rich and creamy filling: A perfect blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and condensed soup.

• Crispy cracker topping: Buttery Ritz crackers add the best crunch to balance the creamy filling.

• Quick and easy prep: Just 10 minutes of mixing, then let the oven do the work.

• Family-approved: A dish that picky eaters and adults alike always enjoy.

• Great for gatherings: Perfect potluck recipe or make-ahead casserole for busy nights.

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Ingredient Notes

• Shredded Chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover baked or boiled chicken also works.

• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese makes the casserole rich and creamy.

• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess to balance the richness. Greek yogurt is a good substitute.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: The base that ties everything together. You can swap for cream of mushroom if preferred.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or a blend works too.

• Ritz Crackers: Crushed and mixed with melted butter for that irresistible golden topping.

• Butter: Helps the crackers crisp up while baking.

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How To Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven
   Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Mix the Filling
   In a large bowl, combine 3 cups shredded chicken, 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 can cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until creamy and well blended.

3. Spread in Baking Dish
   Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

4. Prepare the Topping
   Crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers) and mix with ½ cup melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

5. Bake the Casserole
   Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature: Not safe beyond 2 hours.

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months. Add cracker topping just before baking.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep topping crispy.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Healthier Swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Different Soups: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a flavor twist.

• Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli before baking.

• Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack for more gooeyness.

• Spicy Version: Mix in diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the filling, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking.

2. Can I use canned chicken?
You can, but rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken gives better flavor and texture.

3. How do I keep the topping crispy?
Bake uncovered and avoid covering with foil. For extra crunch, broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two baking dishes for even cooking.

5. What sides go best with this dish?
Simple green salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice.

6. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers and ensure your soup is gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is everything a comfort food dish should be—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery crunch. It’s easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s earned its “million dollar” name.

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