Unforgettable Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets luxury in this million dollar chicken casserole that promises pure culinary magic.

Creamy textures and rich flavors dance across your plate with unexpected elegance.

Southern kitchens have whispered about this recipe for generations, passing down its delectable secrets.

Tender chicken nestles between layers of smooth cream cheese and zesty seasonings.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked comfort and indulgent satisfaction.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top hint at the deliciousness waiting inside.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can create such an extraordinary meal.

Prepare to experience a casserole that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Reasons to Love Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Packed with rich, cheesy goodness that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its indulgent taste profile.
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients like shredded chicken, cream cheese, and crackers to create a filling meal without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for busy families, potlucks, or casual gatherings where you need a delicious dish that comes together effortlessly.

Smart Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Choose Lean Chicken: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for a healthier protein base that keeps the casserole light and tender.
• Control Sodium Levels: Reduce salt content by using low-sodium crackers and checking sodium levels in cream cheese and sour cream for a heart-friendly dish.
• Customize Cracker Crunch: Swap butter crackers with whole wheat crackers or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising texture.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect temperature.
• Quick Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, dairy-free cream cheese, and plant-based cheese to create a delicious vegan-friendly version of the casserole.

Storing Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Right

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with the cracker topping to maintain its crispiness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent burning. Sprinkle fresh crackers on top before serving for extra crunch.
• For quick reheating, warm individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.

Sides That Match Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the casserole's rich, creamy texture. The wine's crispness balances the dish's heavy, cheesy profile.
• Create a light mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. This refreshing side provides a zesty contrast to the casserole's dense, comforting flavors.
• Prepare roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, and zucchini with olive oil and herbs. These caramelized vegetables introduce a robust, earthy element that complements the chicken's savory notes.
• Choose a hoppy pale ale or wheat beer with citrusy undertones. The beer's carbonation and slight bitterness help cleanse the palate between creamy, rich bites of the casserole.

Million Dollar Chicken Ideas

Low-Carb Chicken Cauliflower Casserole: Replace butter crackers with crushed pork rinds and swap out regular cheese for low-fat options. Perfect for keto dieters seeking a lighter protein-packed meal.

Gluten-Free Chicken Almond Casserole: Use gluten-free almond flour crackers instead of butter crackers and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Great for those with wheat sensitivities.

Dairy-Free Chicken Coconut Casserole: Substitute cream cheese and sour cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast. Use dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Mediterranean Herb Chicken Casserole: Add dried oregano, basil, and thyme to the chicken mixture. Replace butter crackers with herbed breadcrumbs and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Million Dollar Chicken Must-Haves

• Chicken: The star of the dish, providing hearty and tender protein for the casserole. Shredded and pre-cooked chicken works best.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and helps bind the chicken mixture. Room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly.

• Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and moisture to the casserole. Full-fat version recommended for best flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, melty cheese layer for extra richness. Sharp or mild cheddar can be used based on preference.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish. Fresh garlic can be substituted.
• Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor without chunky onion pieces. Complementary to garlic powder.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balancing flavors.

• Butter Crackers: Creates a crispy, golden topping with buttery flavor. Ritz crackers work perfectly.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker topping and adds richness. Unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.

• Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and visual appeal as a final touch. Thinly sliced for best presentation.

Your Guide to Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat lightly with non-stick spray or butter.

Step 2: Create Creamy Chicken Base

• Shredded chicken
• Cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 3: Build Casserole Layers

Spread chicken mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Step 4: Craft Crunchy Topping

• Crushed butter crackers
• Melted butter

Cover the cheese layer completely with this buttery cracker mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide casserole into preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping turns golden brown and cheese becomes wonderfully bubbly.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove casserole from oven. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the decadent layers of comfort food.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets luxury in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, a creamy Southern classic that promises pure culinary bliss. Cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor, you’ll crave this irresistible dish that delivers wholesome warmth in every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 cups (about 1 pound or 454 grams) cooked, shredded chicken

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (226 grams) cottage cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (about 113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional for added flavor)
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking vessel by lightly coating with cooking lubricant, then arrange oven rack to center position and warm appliance to 350°F.
2. Combine shredded protein with smooth dairy components, incorporating cream cheese, cultured cream, aromatic spice powders, and seasoning elements. Whisk mixture until uniform consistency emerges.
3. Transfer protein blend into prepared cooking container, ensuring smooth and even distribution across entire surface.
4. Blanket initial layer with generous coating of sharp cheddar dairy shreds, creating complete coverage.
5. Create crispy exterior topping by folding crushed buttery crackers into melted butter, forming a golden crumbly mixture.
6. Distribute cracker blend methodically across cheese surface, guaranteeing complete and uniform coverage.
7. Position casserole inside heated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes cooking duration until topping transforms into rich golden brown and cheese becomes delicately effervescent.
8. Extract culinary creation from oven, permitting brief resting period of approximately 5 minutes to stabilize internal temperature.
9. Enhance visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling finely chopped green onion segments across top layer before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Shred chicken quickly using two forks or a stand mixer for consistent, tender meat texture.
• Create a lighter version by substituting low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or fresh herbs like thyme to the chicken mixture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 563
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 877 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 119 mg