Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

A Casserole Like No Other

Ever tried a dish so creamy and comforting that it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day? Meet Million Dollar Chicken Casserole—a one-pan wonder that’s about to become your go-to recipe for cozy nights in. It’s quick, satisfying, and downright addictive. One bite, and you’ll see why everyone is raving about it!

Why Make This Recipe

Here’s the scoop on why this casserole is a total game changer:

• Easy Cleanup: No need for a sink full of dishes! This delightful dish mixes everything in one pan.
• Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults!) will love the cheesy, rich flavors—making dinner battles a thing of the past.
• Affordable: With simple, budget-friendly ingredients, you won’t break the bank to whip up this delicious meal.

Who doesn’t love a crowd-pleaser that won’t give your wallet a heart attack? 😉

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff—just these basics!

• 4½ cups chopped cooked chicken
• 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)

Directions

Ready to dive in? Let’s make this yummy casserole!

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly.
4. In another bowl, combine the crushed crackers and butter. Sprinkle this buttery goodness over the chicken mixture.
5. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (Overview)

Creating this masterpiece is as easy as 1-2-3! Start by mixing together your creamy chicken filling. Pro tip: Don’t skimp on softening your cream cheese; it makes blending super smooth. Next, spread that mixture into your baking dish and top it all off with buttery cracker crumbs. Finally, pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. Seriously, prepare to be the star of dinner!

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Once you pull this beauty from the oven, get ready for the aroma to fill your kitchen! This casserole pairs perfectly with a side salad for a refreshing crunch or some garlic bread for that added indulgence. The golden, crispy topping contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling, creating a dish that is not only pleasing to the eye but also a flavor explosion on the palate. Yum!

How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just cover it tightly to keep it from drying out. Want to save it for later? You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

1. Timing is Key: If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken—it’s a total flavor booster!
2. Texture Tweaks: For a bit more crunch, toss some chopped nuts on top along with the crumbs.
3. Cheese it Up: Feel free to mix in some shredded cheese for an extra cheesy delight. Who says you can have too much cheese? 🍕
4. Spice it Up: Want a kick? Add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the chicken mix.
5. Low-Fat Swaps: You can use low-fat versions of sour cream or cottage cheese if you’re keeping an eye on calories.

Variation

Feeling adventurous? You can switch it up by adding some vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the mix for a burst of color and health. You can also make it vegan by swapping chicken for chickpeas and using plant-based creams instead.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before, store it in the fridge, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version with a simple white sauce for a healthier twist.

Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, then wrap it tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

A creamy and comforting one-pan chicken casserole that’s perfect for cozy nights in, featuring a crunchy Ritz cracker topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole ingredients

• 4.5 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature) Softened for easier mixing
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream Use low-fat version if desired
• 1 can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz) Can substitute with cream of mushroom soup
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp dried onion powder
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed) For the topping
• 5 Tbsp butter (melted) Combine with crushed crackers

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly.
4. In another bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken mixture.

Cooking

1. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

For added crunch, you can toss some chopped nuts on top along with the cracker crumbs. Feel free to mix in some shredded cheese for an extra cheesy delight. This casserole can be made ahead of time by preparing the mixture the night before.