Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 sleeve (about 30) Ritz crackers, crushed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the very definition of cozy comfort food! It's ridiculously creamy, loaded with juicy chicken, and topped with a golden, buttery cracker crust thatâ€™s just impossible to resist.

Each bite delivers a dreamy combo of melty cheeses, subtle garlic notes, and a rich, savory finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The best part? Itâ€™s a true weeknight heroâ€"super easy to throw together, totally make-ahead friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or crowd.

Inspired by classic Southern casseroles and my own familyâ€™s love for all things cheesy, this is a dish youâ€™ll want in your regular rotation. Whether you need a quick dinner, a meal to take to a friend, or the ultimate potluck show-stopper, you simply canâ€™t go wrong!

Golden and cheesy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole baked in a white dish

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ultra-creamy, cheesy, and totally comfortingâ€"true â€œmillion dollarâ€ flavor in every bite
Quick prep and easy clean-up make it perfect for busy weeknights
Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully (hello, leftovers!)
Freezer-friendly for those plan-ahead moments

Key Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cooked Chicken

This is the heart of the casserole, providing hearty protein and a satisfying bite. Use rotisserie chicken for major convenience, or leftover roast chicken for extra flavor. Shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces works best. For a fun twist, you can even use leftover turkey!

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese makes the sauce decadently creamy and gives the casserole its signature â€œmillion dollarâ€ richness. Let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing. You can substitute NeufchÃ¢tel for a lighter option, but donâ€™t skip it entirelyâ€"itâ€™s key to that luscious texture!

Sour Cream

Sour cream adds a subtle tang that balances all the cheese and creaminess. Use full-fat for the richest result, but light sour cream works in a pinch. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want to bump up the protein.

Shredded Cheeses (Mozzarella & Parmesan)

A duo of mozzarella and parmesan creates gooey meltiness and a salty, nutty finish. Pre-shredded cheese is fine for convenience, but shredding your own really amps up the flavor and melting power. Swap in Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar if you like!

Ritz Crackers

Crushed Ritz crackers form the irresistible buttery topping that gets golden and crisp in the oven. If you need a gluten-free version, try crushed GF crackers or cornflakes. Panko breadcrumbs also work, but the crackers add that classic flavor.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole cooking process

Instructions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350Â°F (175Â°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butterâ€"this helps prevent sticking and makes serving a breeze.

Mix Up the Creamy Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, then fold in the cooked chicken so it gets evenly coated.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top so you get that perfect crust later on.

Make the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Toss until all the cracker crumbs are nicely coatedâ€"this is the secret to that crispy, golden topping! Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered for 25â€"30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. For an extra-crispy top, you can broil the last 1â€"2 minutes, but watch closely so it doesnâ€™t burn.

Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with a little chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy your million dollar moment!

Recipe Variations

Add a Veggie Boost

Stir in 1 cup of thawed frozen peas, chopped steamed broccoli, or sautÃ©ed spinach for extra color and nutrition. Itâ€™s an easy way to sneak in veggies for the whole family!

Spice It Up

Like a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy chicken mixture. You could also mix in diced green chilies or jalapeÃ±os for a Southwest twist.

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version. Double-check all your other ingredients (especially the chicken broth, if adding any) to ensure theyâ€™re gluten-free.

Lighten It Up

Use NeufchÃ¢tel cheese instead of regular cream cheese, light sour cream, and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter take without losing that signature creaminess.

Swap the Protein

Turkey, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted pork all work wonders in this casseroleâ€"perfect for using up holiday leftovers! For a vegetarian spin, try cooked chickpeas or a plant-based chicken substitute.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette or some simple roasted vegetables. For an extra-comforting meal, serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or classic Southern-style biscuits. Donâ€™t forget a sprinkle of extra parmesan and parsley for that finishing touch!

For more side inspiration, check out this easy garlic green beans recipe or these homemade buttermilk biscuits.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? No problem! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply scoop portions into a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power until hot, or rewarm in a 350Â°F oven for 15â€"20 minutes until bubbly.

Want to freeze it? Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 350Â°F, adding 15â€"20 extra minutes, or thaw overnight before baking as directed. The cracker topping may soften slightly after freezing, but a quick broil will help crisp it back up!

For more tips on freezing casseroles, visit this helpful guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready to serveâ€"add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: Whatâ€™s the best chicken to use for this recipe?

A: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver, but any cooked, shredded or chopped chicken works great. Leftover roasted or poached chicken both bring delicious flavor.

Q: Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

A: Yes! It freezes beautifully before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed, or thaw overnight first for best results.

Craving comfort food thatâ€™s easy, creamy, and guaranteed to impress? This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole truly lives up to its nameâ€"rich, satisfying, and loaded with flavor! I canâ€™t wait for you to try it. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below to let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!