Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that tastes like a splurge but couldn’t be simpler to assemble, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole deserves a spot at the very top of your dinner list. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, it’s the kind of dish that melts away a long day and brings the family running to the table. What makes this casserole stand out is its irresistibly rich filling, wrapped in a golden, buttery crust of crackers and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch. Get ready to fall in love with a new weeknight staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the decadence fool you: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole only needs everyday ingredients, but each one serves a delicious purpose. These simple yet essential items team up to create a dish overflowing with creaminess, cheesy goodness, and just the right amount of crunch.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken makes prep a breeze and soaks up all the creamy sauce.
- Cream cheese (softened): The key to that signature luscious, velvety base—don’t skip this!
- Sour cream: Adds tang and balances the richness of the cheeses and mayonnaise beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo ties everything together and gives the filling irresistible body.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: You want a bold, sharp flavor—freshly grated if you can swing it!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For ultra-melty, stretchy cheese pulls in every bite.
- Garlic powder: A little goes a long way to infuse the casserole with mouthwatering aroma.
- Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and savory depth, creating that “something extra.”
- Salt: Brings all the flavors into harmony—taste and adjust if needed.
- Black pepper: Just enough for warmth and gentle spice throughout.
- Paprika: For color and a hint of smokiness that elevates the filling.
- Buttery round crackers (crushed): The ultimate buttery crunch on top; use gluten-free crackers if you need to.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crackers together for the perfect golden crust.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A splash of green for brightness, color, and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it comes up to temperature while you assemble the casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps everything come out easily, with beautifully crisp edges and no sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Stir them together until the mix is completely smooth—no lumps allowed! This heavenly trio is what gives the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole its world-famous creamy texture and flavor.
Step 3: Add Cheeses and Seasonings
Next, toss in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything thoroughly—the blend of cheeses and seasonings will make every bite sing with flavor and give that melty, gooey factor families crave.
Step 4: Combine with Chicken
Add your cooked, shredded chicken right to the bowl. Give it all a good mix, making sure that each piece of chicken gets coated in that luscious sauce. The goal is even distribution (and vivid anticipation as the kitchen starts to smell incredible).
Step 5: Assemble in the Dish
Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This ensures a consistent scoop for everyone, with beautiful pockets of cheese and sauce in each serving.
Step 6: Make the Buttery Topping
In a small bowl, combine your crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, stirring until all the crumbs are moistened and glistening. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole, creating what will soon become a crunchy, golden crown.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is gloriously golden brown.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the casserole with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is now ready to make its grand entrance at your table!
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a must for a touch of color and a little herbal brightness, but you can also toss on sliced green onions or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese right before serving. Even just a pinch of smoked paprika on top adds that wow factor when you lift the lid.
Side Dishes
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides that’ll let its flavors shine. Try it with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad for a light, vibrant contrast. Even fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes work brilliantly to soak up that glorious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give Million Dollar Chicken Casserole a party-worthy twist, spoon it into ramekins for perfectly portioned servings at your next gathering. Or, layer the filling into puff pastry cups for a crowd-pleasing appetizer version. Try serving it in a bread bowl for a rustic comfort food centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole keeps like a dream. Simply cover your baking dish with foil or transfer leftovers into an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as it sits, making reheated portions just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead for busy nights, you can freeze the casserole (unbaked or baked, without crackers for best results) for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, add your buttery topping fresh just before baking, then pop it in the oven for a freshly-baked taste even on your busiest days.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—this will help maintain that cracker crust. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too, just know the topping won’t be quite as crispy as the day it was baked.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and adds a hint of extra savory flavor, plus it makes prep even faster when putting together the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Is there a gluten-free option for the topping?
Yes, you can swap in your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers instead of the standard ones, so everyone can enjoy a crunchy topping on this dish.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole before baking?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, wrap it well, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight, add the cracker-butter topping, and bake as directed.
Can I lighten up the casserole?
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use reduced-fat cheeses or mayonnaise—your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole will still taste wonderfully indulgent.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
The casserole is done when it’s hot and bubbling at the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown; 25–30 minutes in the oven should be just right.
Final Thoughts
If you try just one comfort food casserole this season, let it be the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone eager to the table and practically guarantees second helpings. Dive into this crowd-pleaser and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, too!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, a decadent yet simple dish that will leave your taste buds singing. This cheesy chicken bake is a surefire crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and mix well. Stir in shredded chicken until evenly coated.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a green salad.
- For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
