If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to dazzle your family or wow a dinner crowd, look no further than Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This golden, bubbly casserole is loaded with melting sharp cheddar, succulent chicken, and an irresistibly rich blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Each bite delivers a creamy, savory filling crowned with a buttery Ritz cracker topping that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special occasion, this casserole is bound to impress and disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something essential: juicy chicken for heartiness, a blend of cheeses for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess, and that crisp, golden cracker topping for perfection. Gather everything beforehand, and you’ll be set up for casserole success!
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or homemade works great — it’s juicy, tender, and soaks up every bit of the creamy sauce.
- Cream cheese (softened): Lends luxurious richness and body to the casserole base.
- Sour cream: Adds a pleasant tang and keeps the filling creamy without being too heavy.
- Cottage cheese: Gives a surprising, subtle texture and keeps things super moist.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pools and layers the whole casserole with big flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Just a half-cup goes a long way in adding smooth richness and depth.
- Garlic powder: Infuses everything with a gentle garlicky kick.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the savory base so it doesn’t taste flat.
- Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that pull the other flavors together.
- Crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve): A must for that golden, buttery, irresistible topping.
- Melted butter: Clings to the crackers, helping them brown beautifully in the oven.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle for color and a hint of fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray — this keeps cleanup easy and ensures every luscious bit comes out intact.
Step 2: Create Your Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s smooth and everything is beautifully blended. This dreamy mixture is what makes Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole so outrageously satisfying.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cheese
Gently fold in your shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. The chicken should be evenly coated and mingling with all the creamy goodness, and the cheese will add pockets of melty magic throughout every scoop.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top — this ensures you’ll have a gorgeous, bubbly cheese crust when it comes out of the oven.
Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, toss the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until every crumb is shiny and buttery. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create that signature golden crunch. It’s the final, crave-worthy flourish that sets this dish apart!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until it’s piping hot, bubbling at the edges, and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving — this makes it easier to cut and allows the flavors to settle together.
How to Serve Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley right before serving brings a burst of color and brightness that really pops against the creamy, cheesy base. If you love extra texture, try a pinch of crispy fried onions or even sliced green onions for a little bite and freshness on top.
Side Dishes
This casserole is so rich and satisfying that it pairs perfectly with lighter, simple sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or steamed green beans for a nice balance. Fluffy white rice or garlic mashed potatoes also make a wonderful base to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to add some flair, try portioning Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole into individual ramekins or mini cocottes before baking! For potlucks, spoon it into a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting so guests can serve themselves. For brunch, serve it alongside warm biscuits for a Southern-style feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days — a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. Simply wrap your cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will last up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until piping hot (about 20 minutes for a full pan). If the cracker topping softens in the fridge, a few minutes uncovered under the broiler will bring back its glorious crunch!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is not only a huge time-saver but also brings fantastic flavor and tenderness. Just shred or chop it and use as directed for Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can make this a bit lighter by swapping out the sour cream for Greek yogurt and choosing low-fat cottage cheese or cream cheese. The dish will still turn out creamy and delicious, just with a touch less richness.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Stir in some thawed frozen peas, steamed broccoli florets, or drained green chiles to add color and extra nutrition. Just don’t overload it, or the casserole might get watery.
Will other cheeses work instead of cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic for Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, but you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little pepper jack if you like a hint of spice. Mix and match for your favorite cheesy combo!
How do I keep the cracker topping crispy?
To keep the cracker topping crisp, only add it right before you bake. And if reheating, a quick broil can revive any lost crunch, making each bite as good as fresh from the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and downright irresistible, Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole should be at the top of your list. It’s just as easy to make as it is comforting to eat, and once you try it, you’ll want to share the recipe with everyone you know. Don’t be surprised when it becomes a staple at your table!
Print
Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Packed with tender chicken, cheeses, and a buttery cracker topping, this comforting dish is a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Casserole: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in shredded chicken and half of the cheddar. Spread in a baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Top with remaining cheddar. Mix Ritz crackers with butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- Add green chiles or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
