Chicken Casserole – Creamy & Irresistible

Let me tell you about your next favorite comfort food: the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This dish combines tender, shredded chicken with rich cream cheese, sour cream, and just the right amount of Parmesan for that extra flavor boost. It’s topped off with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for a slightly crispy, golden finish. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible casserole that you can whip up in less than an hour. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a potluck, or a Sunday dinner, this casserole is always a hit. Let’s get cooking!

Table of content

• About The Chicken Casserole
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to Make the Chicken Casserole (Step-by-Step)
• Expert Tips for Success
• Variations and Customizations
• Nutritional Information
• Storage and Reheating Instructions
• Recipe Card
  • Recipe Preparation
  • Ingredients List
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Recipe Video
  • Cooking notes
  • Nutritional Information
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Comments & Reviews
• Social Sharing Options

About The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Creamy & Irresistible Recipe

What if I told you there’s a casserole so good that people call it ‘Million Dollar’? Yep, that’s exactly what we have here with the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This isn’t just any casserole – it’s a blend of creamy, cheesy goodness that feels fancy yet comforting. No, you won’t need actual million-dollar ingredients (whew!), but the taste definitely makes it feel rich enough to live up to its name. This recipe has been a crowd-pleaser for generations, popular in family cookbooks, church potlucks, and even holiday dinners. There’s something magical about how all these everyday ingredients come together to make one unforgettable dish. At BellRecipes, we’ve put some extra love into this version to make sure it’s easy, reliable, and just as delightful as you imagine. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that’s hard to mess up – perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just to feed a hungry crew, this dish has got you covered. So grab those ingredients (they’re probably already in your kitchen), and let’s make some casserole history!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare in under an hour
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
• Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
• Kid-approved and family-friendly
• Perfect for potlucks, busy weeknights, or special occasions
• Deliciously crispy Ritz cracker topping
• Customizable for dietary preferences

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded for the perfect casserole base. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but leftover roast chicken works great too.
• Cream Cheese: Makes the dish uber creamy; use full-fat for the richest result, or swap for reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess. Greek yogurt works as a great substitute.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Bold cheese flavor is key here, but feel free to try Monterey Jack or a cheese blend.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory punch. Skip it if you’re out, but it truly levels up the dish.
• Ritz Crackers: Buttery and crunchy topping that steals the show. Breadcrumbs can work in a pinch, though Ritz gives it the signature vibe.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker topping and create that golden crust.

How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you time to mix your ingredients while the oven gets nice and toasty.
• In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
• Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the creamy mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. This is the base of your casserole.
• Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for a smooth top.
• Crush the Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter to create the buttery topping. Sprinkle over the casserole for that crave-worthy crunch.
• Bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
• Take it out, let it cool for 5-10 minutes (if you can wait), and dig in!

Expert Tips for Success

Soften the cream cheese beforehand to make mixing a breeze.
Rotisserie chicken saves loads of time and adds great flavor.
Want an extra golden topping? Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end – but watch closely to avoid burning.
If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and use two baking dishes.
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for balance.

Variations and Customizations

1. Swap the chicken for turkey if you’ve got leftovers from the holidays.
2. Add chopped veggies like bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some nutrients.
3. Play with the cheese – try gouda, swiss, or a Mexican cheese blend for a unique twist.
4. Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
5. Create a gluten-free version using gluten-free crackers or panko.

Nutritional Information

One serving of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole typically provides around 400-450 calories. It’s packed with protein (thanks to the chicken and cheeses) and delivers about 20g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein per serving. You’re also getting a solid dose of calcium from the cheeses. If you want to lower the fat content, consider using reduced-fat cheeses and sour cream, or balance it out with a veggie-packed side dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, either pop individual portions in the microwave until warm or cover the entire baking dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. The foil helps keep the topping crispy without overcooking the inside!

All Your Questions About This Recipe