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

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Creamy, cheesy shredded chicken topped with buttery Ritz cracker crunch. Easy, budget-friendly, and irresistibly delicious—tastes like a million bucks! Perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

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

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Mozzarella & cheddar cheeses
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the shredded chicken until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Crunch

In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy every bite!

Notes

This casserole is ideal for using up leftover chicken or turkey after the holidays.
It’s easily doubled for feeding a crowd or freezing for later.
For extra depth, add a splash of chicken broth to the filling before baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American