Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

The Creamy, Cheesy, Comfort-Food Dinner That Saves Your Weeknights

Some dinners just hit the spot — the kind that feel like a warm hug after a long day. This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is one of those recipes. It’s rich, creamy, cozy, and topped with the most irresistible buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s the type of dish families request again and again because it’s simple, filling, and unbelievably delicious.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, warming up a chilly night, or looking for a no-fuss casserole everyone will devour, this recipe delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Creamy & Savory: The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar melts into the dreamiest sauce.
Budget-Friendly Comfort Meal: Everyday pantry ingredients become a restaurant-level casserole.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick prep, simple steps, and hands-free oven time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Family-friendly and perfect for potlucks or gatherings.
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead for easy meal planning.

Ingredients

Casserole Base

4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works perfectly)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack)
1/2 cup milk (optional, for thinning the mixture)

Buttery Ritz Topping

1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 36 crackers), crushed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Equipment

9x13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Medium bowl (for topping)
Spatula or wooden spoon
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, mix together:
cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Blend until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add up to 1/2 cup milk.

3. Add Chicken & Cheese

Fold in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.
Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

5. Make the Ritz Topping

In a bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter.
Stir until fully coated.

6. Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle the buttery crackers evenly over the casserole.

7. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.

8. Rest & Serve

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

Use rotisserie chicken for the best texture and the fastest prep.
Add 1 small can of green chiles for a mild flavor kick.
For extra creaminess, mix in ½ cup cooked bacon or ½ cup cream cheese.
If reheating, cover with foil so the topping doesn’t over-brown.

Easy Variations & Substitutions

Swap the meat: Try cooked turkey, ham, or shredded pork.
Make it spicy: Add cayenne, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.
Add veggies: Mix in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach.
Try different toppings: Panko, Cheese-It crumbs, or French fried onions.

Serving, Pairing & Storage

Serving Ideas

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
Pair with roasted veggies, salad, or crusty bread.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months (before or after baking).
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (but don’t add the topping), refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add the topping and bake.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?
You can, but the casserole won’t be as creamy. Full-fat dairy gives the best texture.

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes — drain well first. Fresh or rotisserie chicken tastes best.