Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers; 4 tablespoons melted butter

I’ve made this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole so many times, I could probably do it with my eyes closed—and every time, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. There’s something about tender shredded chicken smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked with a buttery cracker topping that turns a regular dinner into a comfort food dream. It tastes indulgent, feels cozy, and somehow manages to be incredibly easy to pull off.

What I love most about this dish is how it works for just about any occasion. Weeknight dinners, potlucks, meal trains—you name it. It has that creamy, hearty texture that feels like a warm hug, and the flavors are always a hit with kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for something that’s simple to make but tastes like a million bucks, this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This dish checks all the right boxes: it’s quick to assemble, ultra-satisfying, and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. The rich creaminess from the cream cheese and sour cream, combined with the savory chicken and crispy cracker topping, makes it the kind of meal people request again and again. Plus, it’s versatile—you can serve it with a salad for a lighter meal or with mashed potatoes if you’re leaning into full comfort food mode.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe—it’s juicy, flavorful, and saves tons of time. But if you have leftover cooked chicken (baked, poached, or grilled), that works beautifully too. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch, though I do think fresh or rotisserie gives the best texture.

Options for Substitutions

You can absolutely tweak this casserole to fit what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Swap the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version. Don’t have Ritz crackers? Use crushed cornflakes, panko, or even French fried onions for a different crunch. If you’re dairy-free, there are plenty of plant-based cream cheese and sour cream options now that bake up just as well.

Ingredients for this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Cooked Shredded Chicken – The hearty, protein-rich base of the casserole. I prefer rotisserie chicken for ease and added flavor.
Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and a rich, tangy depth that elevates the entire dish.
Sour Cream – Provides a smooth, slightly tangy contrast to the cheese and keeps the filling moist.
Mayonnaise – Helps bind everything together and deepens the richness.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Gives the casserole its savory, creamy body. You can use homemade or canned.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully into the sauce and adds that classic cheesy pull.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Boosts the flavor without having to sauté anything.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing the richness.
Ritz Crackers (crushed) – The buttery, golden crunch on top that completes the dish.
Melted Butter – Helps the cracker topping brown and crisp up perfectly.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese (softened), sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Make the Topping

In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the chicken mixture. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up and makes serving easier. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like a touch of freshness.

How Long to Prepare the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Prep Time: Most of your time here goes into shredding the chicken and mixing the ingredients, which takes around 15 minutes—especially quick if you’re using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken.

Bake Time: Once it’s assembled, the casserole needs about 30 to 35 minutes in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly with a golden topping. Add another 5–10 minutes to let it rest before serving.

Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Soften Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese come to room temperature first—it mixes better and avoids clumps.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting; shred your own for the creamiest texture.
Don’t Overbake: You want the top to be golden, not burnt. Check around the 30-minute mark.
Add a Veggie Layer: Stir in steamed broccoli or peas to make it a one-dish meal.
Customize the Crunch: Mix some parmesan into the cracker topping for extra flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using Cold Ingredients: Cold sour cream and cream cheese can be hard to blend evenly.
Not Seasoning Enough: Even with canned soup, you still need to season the mix with garlic, onion powder, and salt to avoid blandness.
Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into it right away makes it runny—let it settle for clean, hearty portions.
Using Dry Chicken: Make sure your chicken is moist; dry, overcooked chicken makes the casserole less enjoyable.
Over-crushing Crackers: Leave some texture in the crumbs for the best crunch.

What to Serve With Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

1. Garlic Green Beans

Crisp green beans sautéed with garlic and butter bring a fresh, vibrant contrast.

2. Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing balances the richness of the casserole.

3. Roasted Carrots

Slightly sweet roasted carrots with herbs complement the savory chicken and cheese flavors.

4. Mashed Potatoes

For ultimate comfort food vibes, serve with creamy mashed potatoes.

5. Buttery Dinner Rolls

Use the rolls to scoop up every last bit of creamy casserole.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven.

Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it (without baking), cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating: If reheating from the fridge, microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through (about 20 minutes).

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.

Calories: 450 per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works if you’re short on time. Just make sure to drain it well.

Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?

You can substitute low-fat cream cheese, light sour cream, and reduced-fat mayo for a lighter casserole.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cream soup and swap out Ritz crackers for a gluten-free crumb or topping.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, double the ingredients and use two baking dishes or a large roasting pan. You may need to add a few minutes to the bake time.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that feels like home in every bite—creamy, cheesy, crispy-topped comfort in a pan. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or delivering it to a friend in need, this casserole never fails to satisfy. Customize it, freeze it, or eat it straight from the dish—just be prepared for zero leftovers. It’s that good.