Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. A Creamy, Cheesy Family Favorite That Tastes Like a Million Bucks!

Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. A Creamy, Cheesy Family Favorite That Tastes Like a Million Bucks!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken ((rotisserie works great!)); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1 cup sour cream; 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed); 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

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You are in for a serious comfort food treat with this one! Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is one of those cozy, creamy dishes that everyone at the table will dig into without hesitation. It’s packed with shredded chicken, a luscious blend of cream cheese and sour cream, a hit of shredded cheddar, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers for that perfect crunch.

This casserole has saved my dinner plans more times than I can count. It’s easy, quick, budget-friendly (despite the name!), and best of all—it’s a huge hit with both kids and grown-ups.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Pro Tips

Use rotisserie chicken – It’s a major time saver and super flavorful.
Crush the crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for the perfect texture—don’t pulverize them!
Let the cream cheese soften before mixing so everything blends smoothly without lumps.
Double the recipe and freeze one for later—this freezes beautifully before baking.
Add veggies like peas or spinach if you want to sneak in some greens for the kiddos.

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or spatula
9×13” baking dish
Measuring cups & spoons
Can opener
Zip-top bag (for crushing crackers)
Oven

Substitutions & Variations

Cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a deeper flavor
Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a protein boost
Crushed cornflakes or panko if you’re out of Ritz
Add cooked broccoli or peas for extra veggies
Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a melty twist

Make Ahead Tips

You can fully assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready, add the cracker topping and bake. This is great for busy weeks or prepping in advance for guests.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese

Fold in the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 4: Spread into Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13” baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Add Cracker Topping

In a bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm!

Leftovers & Storage

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the whole unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 3 months. Add cracker topping just before baking.
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Wrap-Up

There’s just something about this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that makes you feel like you hit the dinner jackpot. It’s creamy, crunchy, and downright irresistible—plus super kid-friendly. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below if you tried it or if you have any questions. Happy baking