Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a million dollar chicken casserole sparks culinary excitement in home kitchens everywhere.

Creamy textures and rich flavors combine to create something magical.

Comfort food enthusiasts appreciate hearty meals that feel like warm hugs.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular recipes you can trust.

Layered ingredients promise deliciousness without complicated preparation techniques.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and tender chicken.

Our recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and second helpings.

Why Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Is So Rich and Delicious

• Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a creamy, cheesy chicken casserole that hugs your taste buds with rich, comforting flavors perfect for any dinner night.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Assemble this crowd-favorite dish in minutes with simple ingredients that everyone from kids to grandparents will absolutely love.
• Versatile Crowd-Rocker: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners, this casserole transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that impresses without complicated techniques.
• No-Fuss Preparation: Mix ingredients in two bowls, layer in a baking dish, and let the oven do the magic, making this recipe a dream for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: A hearty protein that serves as the core foundation of this comforting casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich, smooth, and flavorful sauce that binds the casserole together and adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, tangy taste and helps create a melty, gooey texture throughout the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Offers a buttery, crispy layer that adds delightful crunch and texture to the top of the casserole.
• Butter: Helps the cracker topping become golden brown and enhances the overall richness of the dish.

How to Prepare Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F, preparing it for the delicious casserole adventure ahead.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Chicken Base

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a luscious and smooth mixture.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the dreamy chicken mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Combine until the crackers are perfectly coated and ready to add a crispy layer.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Crown

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture generously over the chicken base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals culinary magic is happening.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve hot, and prepare for a mouthwatering experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Swap rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time and deeper flavor profile.
• Lighten the dish by using low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese for a healthier version.
• Enhance cracker topping by adding dried herbs like thyme or parsley for extra aromatic crunch.
• Prevent soggy bottom by patting chicken dry before mixing to eliminate excess moisture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain casserole's creamy texture.

Variations to Try on Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, basil, and top with crumbled pita chips instead of Ritz crackers.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Quinoa Casserole: Substitute half the chicken with cooked quinoa and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Ranch Chicken Comfort Casserole: Mix in ranch seasoning, use ranch dressing instead of mayonnaise, and sprinkle bacon bits on top before baking.

Suggested Pairings for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Fresh Garden Salad with Tangy Vinaigrette
• Crisp mixed greens and zesty dressing cut through the rich, creamy casserole, providing a refreshing contrast and balancing the dish's heaviness.
• Complement Wine Selection: Crisp Chardonnay
• Light, unoaked Chardonnay with subtle citrus notes perfectly matches the casserole's creamy texture and enhances its cheesy, savory profile.
• Add Bright Side Dish: Roasted Asparagus
• Tender, lightly seasoned asparagus spears introduce a fresh vegetable element and add nutritional balance to the hearty chicken casserole.

Storage Guidelines for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors fresh.
• Wrap casserole securely in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing this casserole.

• Is there a healthier alternative to Ritz crackers for the topping?

Try using whole wheat crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier topping that still provides great texture.

• How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Add garlic powder, dried herbs like thyme or parsley, or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Can I freeze this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

You can freeze it before baking. Prepare the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty chicken and crispy crackers. Southern charm and rich flavors promise a delightful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped

Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 can cream of chicken soup

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary canvas by warming the oven to a cozy 350°F, setting the stage for a delectable transformation.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, harmonize shredded chicken with creamy companions – velvety cream of chicken soup, luxurious mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, blending until ingredients embrace.
3. Transfer the luscious amalgamation into a rectangular 9×13 inch baking receptacle, spreading evenly to create a uniform landscape.
4. Craft a crispy crown by pulverizing Ritz crackers and marrying them with molten butter, creating a golden, crunchy topping.
5. Lavishly scatter the buttery cracker mixture across the chicken base, ensuring complete coverage for maximum textural delight.
6. Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to simmer and meld for 30-35 minutes until the surface turns a mesmerizing golden brown and the interior bubbles with anticipation.
7. Rescue the steaming masterpiece from the oven, letting it rest momentarily before serving piping hot, ready to enchant eager palates.

Notes

• Swap regular chicken for rotisserie chicken to enhance flavor depth and save preparation time.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and boost protein content for health-conscious eaters.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a crispy topping.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity and brightness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg