Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million dollar chicken casserole earned its name honestly – this rich, creamy dish tastes like it costs a fortune to make, but uses simple pantry ingredients most of us already have. I first made this casserole for a potluck dinner, and watched it disappear faster than any other dish on the table.

The combination of tender chicken, tangy cream cheese, and buttery cracker topping creates a comfort food that lives up to its extravagant name.

After years of making this recipe, I’ve learned exactly what makes it work and why people keep asking for the recipe.

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Can opener
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon (about 6 strips)
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 35 crackers), crushed
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or lightly butter it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat them together until smooth and no lumps remain. This works best if the cream cheese sits at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
3. Add the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Fold in the cooked chicken, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember the soup and bacon add saltiness, so start with just a pinch.
6. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top.
7. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
8. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and the rest of the bacon crumbles.
9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
10. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions if using.

Helpful Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for the quickest prep – one small rotisserie chicken yields about 3 cups of meat
• Room temperature cream cheese blends much easier than cold
• Crush crackers while still in the sleeve to minimize mess
• Mix the topping just before adding to prevent soggy crackers
• Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly
• Let the casserole rest before serving to allow it to set properly
• Double the recipe easily for larger crowds – use two 9×13 pans
• Add the bacon just before serving for maximum crispness

Substitutions and variations

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, light sour cream, and turkey bacon. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for added protein. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup work instead of cream of chicken for different flavor profiles.

Switch up the cheese – Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a Mexican blend all taste great. For the topping, crushed potato chips, French fried onions, or even cornflakes create interesting textures. Add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or mushrooms for a more complete meal. A ranch seasoning packet can replace the garlic and onion powder for a different flavor twist.

How To Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Cool the casserole completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For freezing, wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. I often make two casseroles – one for dinner and one for the freezer.

To reheat refrigerated portions, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes. For the whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Frozen casseroles should thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This rich casserole pairs well with lighter sides. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition. Garlic bread or dinner rolls help soak up the creamy sauce.

For a complete comfort food meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice. Fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast. During summer, grilled corn on the cob makes an easy side dish.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crispy.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Buttery round crackers, saltines, or even crushed cornflakes work as substitutes. Adjust the butter amount based on the cracker type.

Can I use uncooked chicken?
While the recipe calls for cooked chicken, you can use raw chicken breast. Cut it into small pieces, season it, and increase the baking time to 45-50 minutes, checking that it reaches 165°F internally.

Why is my casserole watery?
Excess moisture usually comes from frozen vegetables or chicken that wasn’t drained well. Pat cooked chicken dry and thaw frozen additions completely, draining any liquid before adding.

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