Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly rich, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is exactly what you want to dig into after a long day. Made with tender chunks of chicken, a luscious cream cheese and sour cream sauce, and topped with a golden, buttery crust, this dish earns its extravagant name with every bite. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or even as a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

This casserole is all about that perfect combination of textures—creamy inside, crispy on top, and packed with savory flavors in every mouthful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want leftovers that get even better the next day, this is the kind of comfort food that makes you feel at home.

---

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• It’s incredibly easy to make with pantry staples.
• The flavor is indulgent, rich, and deeply satisfying.
• Great for feeding a family or meal prepping.
• Can be customized with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.
• Comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and golden baked perfection.

---

What Makes It a “Million Dollar” Casserole?

The secret is in the decadent combination of ingredients. Cream cheese, sour cream, shredded chicken, and condensed soup all come together to form a luxuriously rich filling. But what truly takes it over the top is the buttery cracker topping or crispy toasted bread cubes. That finishing layer adds irresistible texture and flavor, making it taste like a million bucks!

---

Ingredients for the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Each ingredient plays a key role in bringing out the casserole’s creamy, savory charm:

• Cooked Shredded Chicken – The star of the dish. Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers for convenience.
• Cream Cheese – Adds a rich, velvety texture that gives the casserole its “million dollar” status.
• Sour Cream – Balances the richness with a slight tang and creaminess.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds a flavorful base and binds the ingredients together.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Essential seasonings that boost the flavor without overpowering.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances all the other ingredients.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the casserole, giving it that cheesy goodness.
• Crushed Ritz Crackers or Toasted Bread Cubes – The golden, buttery topping that adds crunch.
• Butter – Mixed with the topping to make it crisp and flavorful.

---

How To Make the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 4: Add the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers or toasted bread cubes with melted butter. Evenly distribute this mixture over the top of the casserole for a crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

---

How to Serve and Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This comforting casserole is perfect as a main dish and can easily feed 6 to 8 people depending on portion size. Serve it hot from the oven for maximum creaminess and crunch. For storing, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.

---

What to Serve With Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Garlic Bread

Buttery and crisp, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.

Steamed Green Beans

A simple, fresh side to balance the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Adds a nice caramelized crunch and a savory twist to the meal.

Mixed Green Salad

Light and refreshing with a vinaigrette to contrast the creamy main dish.

Mashed Potatoes

Comfort meets comfort. This duo is hearty and soul-satisfying.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet and juicy, corn is a classic side that pairs beautifully with the casserole.

Cranberry Sauce

A bit unexpected, but the tangy-sweet flavor cuts through the richness nicely.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Savory and earthy, mushrooms enhance the umami depth of the chicken casserole.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well and break it apart before mixing. The texture may be slightly different but the flavors still shine.

What’s the best way to freeze this casserole?
Prepare the casserole as instructed but stop before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms are great additions. Just make sure to cook off excess moisture so the filling stays creamy.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?
Toasted bread cubes, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes are excellent alternatives for a crispy topping.

---

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use cracker topping or toasted bread? Add in veggies or keep it classic?

I love seeing your kitchen creations. Got questions? Ask away — let’s make cooking fun and stress-free together!

Check out more delicious comfort food recipes on my Pinterest page: Meals We Share By Sally

---

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something special. It’s rich, creamy, and made with love — perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying, hearty meal everyone will want seconds of. Give it a try and bring a little “million dollar” magic to your dinner table!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?