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
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Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
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Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
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Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead dinners
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Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
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Ideal for monetization with keywords like “family dinner ideas” and “easy chicken casserole”
Ingredients Breakdown:
Chicken Base
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Cooked, shredded chicken (4 cups): A hearty protein base; rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor.
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Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides a creamy, rich texture to bind everything together.
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Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and creaminess.
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Mayonnaise (½ cup): Contributes to the richness and creaminess of the filling.
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Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Adds a melty, stretchy texture.
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Cheddar cheese (½ cup, shredded): Provides sharp, cheesy flavor.
Seasoning
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Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds depth of flavor.
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Onion powder (½ tsp): Enhances savory notes.
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Salt (½ tsp or to taste): Balances and brings out flavors.
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Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle kick.
Topping
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Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Buttery and crispy topping.
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Melted butter (¼ cup): Binds the crushed crackers and adds richness.
Garnish (Optional)
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Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds color and freshness for a nice finish.
Tips and Tricks
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Use canned chicken in a pinch for quicker prep
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For added crunch, double the amount of cracker topping
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Let the casserole sit before serving to make slicing easier
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Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking
Variations and Customizations
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Low-Carb Option: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping
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Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, green beans, or corn
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Protein Alternatives: Use turkey, ground chicken, or even canned tuna
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Shortcut Base: Substitute cream cheese and mayo with condensed cream of chicken soup
What to Serve With Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
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Mixed green salad with vinaigrette
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Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
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Roasted potatoes or rice
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freezer: Freeze unbaked casserole without topping for up to 2 months
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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.
