When I first made this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, I was just looking for something comforting to put on the dinner table, but it turned out to be so much more. One bite of this creamy, savory casserole, and I felt like I’d struck gold. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make with ingredients you might already have at home. If you’re looking for a simple dish that feels like a big, warm hug, this is it. Trust me, it’s called “Million Dollar” for a reason!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something about this casserole that makes it perfect for every occasion. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery, crispy Ritz crackers for the ultimate finish. It’s one of those recipes that feels luxurious without being fussy. The cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream create an indulgent texture and flavor, while the chopped chicken makes it hearty and filling. And that topping? Absolutely irresistible. Let’s get into what you need and how to put it all together!
Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Let’s go over the simple ingredients that make this dish shine:
- 4½ cups cooked chicken, chopped – Use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or quickly poach some chicken breasts for a quick base.
- 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature – Adds creaminess and richness. Be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1 cup cottage cheese – This might seem surprising, but it melts beautifully into the casserole, adding a creamy texture without overwhelming richness.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds a bit of tang that balances the richness.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup – Acts as the base for the sauce, giving it that comforting, old-fashioned flavor.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder – Adds a hint of garlic that complements the chicken and cheese.
- ¼ tsp dried onion powder – Brings a subtle onion flavor to the casserole without overpowering it.
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed – The star of the topping! They add a salty, buttery crunch.
- 5 Tbsp butter, melted – Mix with the crackers for a golden, crispy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Then, lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures the casserole won’t stick, making it easier to serve later. If you’re feeding a bigger crowd, feel free to double the recipe and use a larger pan.
2. Prepare the Casserole Mixture
Now for the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature—this makes it easier to mix everything together without lumps. I like to use a wooden spoon and give everything a good stir until it’s thoroughly combined.
This mixture is what gives the casserole its signature creamy, “million dollar” flavor. The cottage cheese might seem unusual if you’re not used to using it in casseroles, but it adds a wonderful creaminess without making the dish too heavy. Plus, it melts right into the other ingredients while baking, creating a beautifully cohesive texture.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Once your filling is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it out with the back of your spoon or spatula to make sure the surface is even. This step ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of chicken and creamy filling.
4. Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until all the crackers are evenly coated. This topping is what makes this casserole so memorable. The buttery Ritz crackers add a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. You want to cover as much surface area as possible so that every bite gets a bit of that golden, crunchy goodness.
5. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes. The bake time will depend on your oven, but you’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. As it bakes, the smell of creamy chicken and buttery crackers fills the kitchen—so comforting!
After 30 minutes, check to see if the top has reached your desired level of golden crispiness. If you want the top a little more browned, you can broil it for a couple of minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is done, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to serve. I love to scoop out a hearty portion and watch the creamy filling mingle with the crispy topping. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors!
Why This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a Perfect Comfort Dish
Easy, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients
This recipe uses basic, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand, like canned soup, cream cheese, and Ritz crackers. Even if you don’t have cooked chicken ready, it’s easy to use store-bought rotisserie chicken or quickly poach some chicken breasts. With minimal shopping needed, it’s a great go-to for a cozy meal.
Incredibly Creamy and Flavorful
The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese makes this casserole incredibly creamy without feeling too heavy. These ingredients melt into each other beautifully during baking, resulting in a dish that’s rich, smooth, and packed with flavor.
Perfect for Family Dinners or Potlucks
This casserole is easy to make in a big batch, so it’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a make-ahead meal. It reheats well, so you can make it the day before and simply warm it up when you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts bring some color and additional texture.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Rice or Mashed Potatoes: If you’re looking for something more substantial, serve the casserole over rice or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. This casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Freezing Instructions
You can also freeze this casserole. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in the oven until warmed through.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350ºF oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave—just be sure to do so in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a lot of flavor. Just shred or chop it and use it in place of the cooked chicken in the recipe.
Can I Use Other Types of Crackers?
Yes, if you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use saltine crackers or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. Ritz crackers are buttery, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of butter if using a different type of cracker.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes! This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add the cracker topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
Variations on Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding cooked vegetables like broccoli, peas, or diced bell peppers to the filling.
Switch Up the Topping: Instead of Ritz crackers, try topping the casserole with panko breadcrumbs or even shredded cheese for a different twist.
Use Different Seasonings: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a bit of heat.