Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crunch. It’s an easy, family-approved dinner that comes together quickly and disappears even faster. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners!

A white rectangular casserole dish filled with a baked cheesy topping layer that is golden brown and crunchy. The top layer consists of crushed cornflakes mixed with fine bread crumbs, evenly spread and toasted to a crisp texture. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled lightly in the center for decoration. The dish sits on a white marbled textured surface, and the edges of the casserole dish are smooth and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dried onion powder
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 5 Tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, stir together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until well coated.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
  7. Step 7: Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient shortcut.
  • Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or extra sour cream if you prefer a different texture.
  • Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for easy meal prep.
  • Freeze the casserole without the Ritz cracker topping. Thaw overnight, then add the topping and bake.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, you might want to refresh the cracker topping under the broiler if it softens after reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked dish in a white oval baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has a single visible layer topped with a golden-brown crunchy crust made of crumbs and cornflakes, with some small green herbs sprinkled in the center. The texture of the topping appears crisp and flaky, giving a rich contrast to the smooth dish underneath. The baked crust covers the whole surface evenly, creating a warm and inviting appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of chicken for this casserole?

Yes, you can use any cooked chicken, such as baked, grilled, or leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful but not mandatory.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture, but you could try substituting dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may change slightly.

Print
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked dish topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. This easy-to-make casserole uses rotisserie chicken and a blend of cheeses for a rich and satisfying family dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dried onion powder

Topping

  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 5 Tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the chicken and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish to create an even layer.
  4. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until the crackers are completely coated with butter.
  5. Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
  6. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly along the edges.
  7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to let it set.

Notes

  • Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
  • Substitute: Cottage cheese can be replaced with ricotta or extra sour cream if preferred.
  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze the casserole without the Ritz cracker topping, thaw overnight, then add the topping and bake.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, Ritz cracker topping, comfort food recipe

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