Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that’s sure to impress. With tender shredded chicken, rich cheeses, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. This easy casserole combines simple ingredients for an indulgent meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chicken by shredding rotisserie chicken or chopping leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Step 3: Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Fold in the shredded chicken until evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish and spread the chicken mixture evenly inside.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor, or substitute with cooked turkey in season.
• For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy mixture.
• Swap Ritz crackers topping with crushed buttery breadcrumbs for a different crunchy texture.
• Make it ahead by assembling the casserole a day before and baking just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For best texture, avoid reheating multiple times.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?

Yes, just thaw and shred the chicken completely before using to ensure even cooking and mixing.

Is mayonnaise necessary in the recipe?

Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness, making the casserole extra creamy. You can reduce the amount slightly, but it contributes significantly to the flavor and texture.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 62 reviews

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish featuring shredded chicken, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, combined with a triple cheese mix and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck, this casserole delivers layers of cheesy, savory flavors with a delightfully crunchy topping.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

The Creamy Base:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is perfect)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

The Million Dollar Factor:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese

The Topping That Changes Everything:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Get That Chicken Ready: If using a rotisserie chicken, shred the cooked chicken evenly. For leftover chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the casserole.
2. Make the Creamy, Cheesy Magic: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Fold the shredded chicken into the mixture until everything is thoroughly coated in the creamy, cheesy blend.
3. Assemble & Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared dish, ensuring smooth and uniform layering.
4. Make the Buttery Ritz Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and paprika. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated with the buttery spice mixture. Sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake Until Golden & Bubbling: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the top is a golden brown color and the edges are bubbling hot. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy the perfect creamy and crispy contrast.

Notes

• Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor but any cooked chicken can be used.
• For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the creamy mixture before baking.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
• You can substitute Ritz crackers topping with panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan for a different crunch texture.

Keywords: chicken casserole, baked chicken dish, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, comfort food, party casserole, Ritz cracker topping