If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole absolutely lives up to its name. This dreamy casserole layers creamy chicken filling with a buttery, golden cracker crust that crackles perfectly with every bite. Whether you serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner or bring it to a potluck, this dish draws rave reviews and second helpings every time. There’s a reason everyone keeps asking for the recipe—its warming flavor and rich, satisfyingly creamy texture make it a true keeper.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Million Dollar Chicken Casserole so irresistible? Each ingredient is carefully chosen for the way it boosts flavor, texture, and overall comfort, and the best part is you’ve probably got everything you need right in your kitchen.

Chopped cooked chicken: Using rotisserie or leftover chicken keeps this casserole tender, juicy, and ultra-convenient.
Cream cheese (room temperature): Adds body and tangy richness, melting smoothly for that million-dollar creamy filling.
Cottage cheese: Offers a subtle, milky texture and extra protein, melting down into the sauce for irresistible silkiness.
Sour cream: Rounds out the creaminess and brings a gentle tartness that balances the richness.
Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic soup keeps the filling thick, savory, and perfectly moist.
Garlic powder: Just a hint provides delicious background flavor without overpowering the dish.
Dried onion powder: Adds a mellow sweetness and classic casserole flavor.
Ritz crackers (crushed): For that signature buttery, crunchy topping everyone fights over.
Butter (melted): Ensures the cracker crust bakes up golden, crisp, and totally irresistible.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, the magic temperature where comfort foods turn golden and delicious. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this helps every scoop come out clean and ensures nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Base

In a large bowl, combine your chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese (make sure it’s softened for easy mixing), cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is well-blended and creamy. This is where the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole earns its million-dollar name: the filling is rich and luscious, with just the right balance of savory and tangy notes.

Step 3: Spread the Filling

Next, spoon your luscious chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out smoothly and evenly so each bite bakes up with the perfect thickness and just the right proportion of filling to topping.

Step 4: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until every crumb glistens. Scatter this buttery mixture over the top of your chicken base—be generous! This irresistible topping transforms in the oven to become the signature crunch of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Slide the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30–40 minutes. When it’s done, the top should be gloriously golden and the creamy filling will be bubbling around the edges, promising a fabulously comforting casserole experience.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with snipped chives, chopped parsley, or even a dusting of paprika before serving. These little pops of color add vibrance and a hint of herbaceous flair that perfectly complements the rich and creamy casserole.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with simple sides takes your meal to the next level. Try serving it with steamed green beans, a tossed salad with a zingy vinaigrette, or fluffy mashed potatoes. The creaminess of the casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp veggies or a light starch.

Creative Ways to Present

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole isn’t just for weekday dinners! Turn individual portions into mini ramekin servings for special occasions, or scoop it into warm, hollowed-out dinner rolls for a fun party twist. Leftovers also stuff beautifully into bell peppers for a quick second-day meal makeover.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring portions to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, and you’ll find that the flavors meld and deepen even more by the next day!

Freezing

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Simply assemble it up to the baking stage (hold off on the cracker topping until just before baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add your cracker topping, then bake as directed for homemade comfort in a snap.

Reheating

To warm up individual portions, microwave on medium power until hot throughout, or reheat the whole casserole in a 325ºF oven (covered loosely with foil to prevent drying) until heated through. For best results, add a sprinkle of new cracker crumbs if the topping has softened, restoring that signature crunch.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving favorite and adds amazing flavor to Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Just remove the skin and bones, chop it up, and use it in place of cooked chicken breast or thighs.

Is there a substitute for cottage cheese?

If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, you can swap it for ricotta or extra sour cream. Both options maintain the creamy texture and mild flavor this casserole is famous for.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap the Ritz crackers for a gluten-free cracker or bread crumb alternative. The result is just as satisfying and delicious.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Simply double all the ingredients and bake your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in a 9×13-inch dish. The baking time might increase by about 5–10 minutes, so just look for that golden, bubbling top.

What’s the best way to crush the Ritz crackers?

The easiest method is to seal them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin (or even your hands) to gently crush them. You’re aiming for a mix of fine crumbs and a few larger pieces for ultimate crunch.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that instantly earns a place in your comfort food hall of fame. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole brings big flavors with such little effort, making it perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a dish that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved tradition at your table!