Delicious Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with cheese and creamy sauce in a baking dish

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines shredded chicken with creamy ingredients, all topped with a crispy layer. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a hearty meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. If you are using raw chicken, cook and shred it. If you have pre-cooked shredded chicken, you can use that directly.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you are adding green onions, mix them in as well.
  4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. In another bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
  6. Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture.
  7. Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden.
  9. Once done, let it stand for 5–10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Serve the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole warm straight from the oven. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. For an extra touch, you can garnish with more chopped green onions on top.

How to Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3–4 days. You can also freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it very well and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Tips to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken.
  • If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a twist on the classic flavor.

Variation

You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by replacing chicken with cooked veggies such as broccoli or mushrooms. You can also use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of crackers instead of Ritz?
Yes, you can use other types of crackers like buttery round crackers or even plain breadcrumbs if you prefer.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the day before and keep it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before you plan to serve.

3. What can I serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
This casserole goes well with a fresh garden salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread. It’s a complete meal all on its own, but side dishes can enhance the experience.