Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This hearty Million Dollar Chicken Casserole has been my family's go-to comfort food for years. The rich, creamy texture paired with that irresistible Ritz cracker topping creates the perfect balance of indulgence and homestyle satisfaction that makes everyone reach for seconds.

I first made this casserole during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something foolproof that would please everyone. The moment my family tasted it, they declared it our new special occasion dish, though it's simple enough for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: Provides the hearty protein foundation whether you use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftovers from another meal
• Cream cheese: Creates that velvety base that gives this dish its luxurious mouthfeel
• Cottage cheese: Adds surprising texture and creaminess while keeping the filling light
• Sour cream: Brings tanginess that balances the rich flavors perfectly
• Mayonnaise: Ensures moisture and binds everything together beautifully
• Cream of chicken soup: Delivers that classic comfort food flavor that makes this dish so nostalgic
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth and creates a beautiful golden layer beneath the topping
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates those irresistible cheese pulls that make everyone smile
• Ritz crackers: Transform into the perfect buttery crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy filling
• Unsalted butter: Coats the crackers for even browning and rich flavor
• Seasonings: The perfect blend of salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder ensures every bite is perfectly flavored
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Heat your oven to 350°F which is the perfect temperature to allow the casserole to cook through while developing that golden top. Take this time to grease your 9x13 baking dish so everything is ready to go.

Create the Creamy Base:

In a large mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese cottage cheese sour cream mayonnaise and cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until completely smooth taking care to break up any cream cheese lumps for the silkiest texture. This foundation is what gives the casserole its million dollar moniker.

Season Perfectly:

Add garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper to your creamy mixture. The seasonings should be evenly distributed throughout so each bite has balanced flavor. Taste and adjust if needed this is your opportunity to customize the seasoning level.

Incorporate the Chicken:

Gently fold in your diced or shredded chicken making sure each piece gets coated in the creamy mixture. Using a folding motion rather than aggressive stirring helps maintain the chicken texture while ensuring thorough distribution.

Layer in the Baking Dish:

Transfer your chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish spreading it into an even layer. Take time to smooth the top which ensures even cooking and makes a perfect base for your toppings.

Add the First Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface. This layer will melt into the casserole creating pockets of savory flavor and helping the topping adhere beautifully.

Prepare the Crunchy Topping:

Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a bowl making sure every crumb is coated. This careful mixing ensures your topping will brown evenly and deliver that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Top the Casserole:

Distribute the buttery cracker mixture across the entire surface then follow with an even layer of mozzarella cheese. This double topping creates the signature contrast between creamy filling and crunchy exterior.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. The visual cues are important for knowing when your casserole has reached its peak.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step lets the layers settle and firms up the texture making it easier to serve in beautiful portions.

Save This

The cream cheese is truly the secret hero of this recipe. I discovered this when experimenting with different cheese combinations and found that nothing else provides that same silky richness. My grandmother always said a good casserole needs something to bind it together and cream cheese does this job perfectly while adding luxurious flavor.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

This casserole shines brightest when served alongside vegetables that offer contrast to its richness. A bright green salad with vinaigrette dressing or steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon creates that perfect balance on your plate. The acidity cuts through the creamy flavors and refreshes your palate between bites.

For special occasions I serve this with homemade garlic bread and roasted asparagus. The combination feels indulgent yet balanced and has become our traditional birthday dinner request in my household. Something about the way the bread soaks up any extra sauce while the asparagus adds elegance makes the meal feel complete.

Smart Storage Solutions

Leftovers maintain their quality remarkably well when stored properly. Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring portions to airtight containers. In the refrigerator it stays delicious for up to 4 days retaining that wonderful texture that made you fall in love with it initially.

For longer storage freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then foil. This double wrapping prevents freezer burn and locks in moisture. When ready to enjoy reheat covered at 325°F until warmed through then uncover for the last few minutes to recrisp the topping.

Making It Your Own

While this recipe is perfect as written it welcomes personalization. Try adding sautéed mushrooms for earthiness diced bell peppers for color or even a layer of spinach for added nutrition. Each variation creates a slightly different experience while maintaining the core comfort food appeal.

Some families in my neighborhood add a layer of cooked egg noodles to the bottom transforming this into a complete oneandone meal. Others sprinkle extra herbs like thyme or rosemary into the filling for sophisticated flavor notes. The recipe graciously accommodates these tweaks making it a perfect canvas for your creativity.

Common Queries

→ Can I substitute the Ritz crackers in the topping?

Yes, use crushed buttery crackers, panko bread crumbs, or even cornflakes for a slightly different crunch on top.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Cooked rotisserie, leftover roasted, or poached chicken (either diced or shredded) all work well and soak up the creamy filling.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Cool the dish, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the baking dish, covered, in the oven.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding extra time if necessary.

→ What sides pair well?

Fresh green salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, or warm garlic bread round out the creamy, comforting main dish nicely.

→ How do I know when it’s done baking?

The top should be deeply golden, with the edges bubbling slightly. A center temperature of 165°F ensures it’s ready to serve.