Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender shredded chicken with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese, then topped with buttery Ritz crackers for the perfect golden crunch. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or freezer meals. One bite and you’ll see why it’s called “million dollar”—it tastes like a million bucks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead dinners
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Ideal for monetization with keywords like “family dinner ideas” and “easy chicken casserole”
Ingredients Breakdown:
Chicken Base
Cooked, shredded chicken (4 cups): A hearty protein base; rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides a creamy, rich texture to bind everything together.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and creaminess.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Contributes to the richness and creaminess of the filling.
Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds a melty, stretchy texture.
Cheddar cheese (½ cup, shredded): Provides sharp, cheesy flavor.
Seasoning
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds depth of flavor.
Onion powder (½ tsp): Enhances savory notes.
Salt (½ tsp or to taste): Balances and brings out flavors.
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle kick.
Topping
Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Buttery and crispy topping.
Melted butter (¼ cup): Binds the crushed crackers and adds richness.
Garnish (Optional)
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds color and freshness for a nice finish.
Tips and Tricks
Use canned chicken in a pinch for quicker prep
For added crunch, double the amount of cracker topping
Let the casserole sit before serving to make slicing easier
Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking
Variations and Customizations
Low-Carb Option: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping
Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, green beans, or corn
Protein Alternatives: Use turkey, ground chicken, or even canned tuna
Shortcut Base: Substitute cream cheese and mayo with condensed cream of chicken soup
What to Serve With Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
Roasted potatoes or rice
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole without topping for up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, or use the microwave for individual portions
Popular Questions
Can I make this casserole without cream cheese?
Yes, substitute with a can of cream of chicken soup and an extra 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Can I use different types of crackers?
Absolutely. Club crackers, buttery breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels work well.
Is this casserole freezer-safe?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Assemble it ahead, freeze, and bake when ready.
