If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and downright comforting, you’re going to fall in love with this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers for the perfect crunch.
This recipe has earned its name because it tastes like a million bucks—without costing nearly that much! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping a potluck dish, or just want a cozy meal for a chilly night, this creamy chicken casserole is always a winner.
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to make this dish a hit in your kitchen—from the simple ingredients to step-by-step instructions, storage tips, and tasty variations. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Creamy and Cheesy – The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar makes this casserole irresistibly rich.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters go back for seconds. It’s perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.
- Quick and Easy – Using cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time. Everything mixes in one bowl, then bakes to golden perfection.
- Budget-Friendly – Simple pantry ingredients make this a smart dinner for any night of the week.
- Perfect for Leftovers – It reheats like a dream, making tomorrow’s lunch just as good.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comfort food classic, this rich chicken casserole checks every box. You might also love these easy baking recipes that keep things simple and satisfying.
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley
Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
Optional Add-ins:
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions
- Diced jalapeños
Need a side to go with it? Try our air fryer turkey burgers for a protein-packed meal!
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This dish is all about simple steps and big flavor. You’ll only need one bowl and one casserole dish—less mess, more comfort.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix cream cheese, sour cream, soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chicken, cheese and fresh parsley. Spread mixture in the dish.
- Mix crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole
Want to make sure your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole turns out perfect every time? Here are some of my favorite tips to help you get that rich, creamy texture and golden crispy top:
Choose the Right Chicken
- Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds extra flavor.
- You can also use leftover baked or poached chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Get That Creamy Texture
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing—it blends more easily.
- Use full-fat sour cream and cream cheese for a richer taste.
- Avoid adding uncooked veggies with high water content (like zucchini), which can make the casserole runny.
Looking for a creamy substitute? Check out our heavy cream alternatives.
Topping Tips
- For extra crunch, mix in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan with the Ritz crackers.
- Don’t skip the butter—it helps the topping crisp up beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly
- Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months. Add fresh topping before baking.
Gluten-Free Swaps
- Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers for a tasty gluten-free version.
With just a few simple tweaks, you can turn this dish into your own signature comfort food. It’s flexible, forgiving, and always satisfying.
How to Store and Reheat
One of the best things about Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is how well it keeps. Whether you’ve made a big batch for meal prep or have a few servings left after dinner, here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
In the Fridge
- Let the casserole cool to room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
In the Freezer
- To freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To freeze after baking: Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers.
Reheating Tips
- Oven (best method): Preheat to 350°F. Reheat covered with foil for about 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes to crisp up the topping.
- Microwave (for single portions): Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. The topping won’t be as crispy, but it’s still delicious.
This creamy chicken casserole is just as good the next day—maybe even better. Perfect for lunchboxes, busy weeknights, or freezer-friendly meal planning!
Variations and Serving Suggestions
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is already packed with creamy, cheesy goodness—but you can easily give it a twist to make it your own. Plus, pairing it with the right sides takes it from cozy dinner to complete comfort meal.
Creative Twists
Try one of these easy add-ins or swaps:
- Add cooked pasta or rice to stretch the dish further.
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Stir in veggies like cooked spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spice it up with a splash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- Top with crispy bacon or green onions before serving for extra flavor and crunch.
These small changes can bring a fun new spin to this classic comfort food.
What to Serve With It
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with lighter, simple sides:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A crisp garden or Peach Burrata Salad
- Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
- Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
Whether it’s a casual family meal or you’re hosting friends, these sides help balance the creamy richness and round out the plate.
For healthy eating insights, visit Healthline’s guide.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great
- 1 package cream cheese 8 oz, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar recommended
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed
- ¼ cup butter melted
- crumbled bacon optional, for smoky flavor
- chopped green onions optional, for freshness
- diced jalapeños optional, for heat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the shredded chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until crumbs are well coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common things people ask—with simple answers to help you make this dish with confidence.
What makes it “Million Dollar” Chicken Casserole?
The name comes from the casserole’s luxurious, rich flavor and creamy texture. It feels like a dish worth a million dollars! The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and buttery Ritz cracker topping elevates a simple chicken casserole into something truly indulgent.
How can I make it gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe can stay the same, making it a simple adaptation for those with gluten sensitivities.
What sides pair well with this casserole?
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a fresh garden salad, steamed green beans, or easy potato soup for comfort.