Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: Comfort Food Gold

When it comes to cozy dinners that make the whole family sigh with happiness, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole takes the crown. Creamy, cheesy, buttery, and irresistibly rich, this dish lives up to its name in every delicious bite. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero—simple to make, easy to customize, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re prepping a comfort-filled dinner for a busy Tuesday night or need a dish that’ll steal the spotlight at a potluck, this casserole delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

We’re talking about classic comfort food that hits all the right notes:

• Ridiculously creamy from the sour cream, mayo, and soup combo.
• Cheesy and satisfying, thanks to two kinds of melty cheese.
• Crunchy topping of Ritz crackers adds the perfect buttery contrast.
• Make-ahead friendly and reheats like a dream.
• It’s made with everyday ingredients—no fancy grocery trips needed!

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Ingredients Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This casserole gets its “million dollar” reputation from its indulgent, rich flavors. Here’s what you need to create magic in a 9×13-inch baking dish:

Cooked Chicken – 3 cups shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken works great if you’re short on time.

Cream of Chicken Soup – One 10.5 oz can gives a smooth, creamy base. You can use a low-sodium version too.

Sour Cream – Adds tang and creaminess. Full-fat is best for texture.

Mayonnaise – Just enough to add a subtle richness. Trust the process.

Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar gives a bold, cheesy bite.

Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture.

Ritz Crackers – One sleeve, crushed. They create that buttery, golden crust everyone fights over.

Butter – Melted and mixed with the crackers for topping perfection.

Salt and Pepper – To taste. Add gradually since the soup and cheese already bring some salt.

Chopped Parsley (optional) – Adds a fresh pop of green before serving.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This is comfort food without the fuss. No tricky steps, just layer, mix, and bake.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything until fully blended.
3. Transfer to Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Make the Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag or with a rolling pin. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
5. Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes, then top with chopped parsley if using. Serve warm and prepare for compliments!

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Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for topping)
• Spatula or spoon
• Oven mitts
• Measuring cups and spoons

Variations To Try

• Add veggies: Mix in 1 cup of frozen peas or cooked broccoli for color and nutrition.
• Use turkey: A great way to repurpose holiday leftovers.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Switch the soup: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a twist.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers and ensure your soup is GF.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
• Add roasted vegetables or steamed green beans on the side.
• Scoop it over mashed potatoes or rice for an extra-filling meal.
• Pair with biscuits or warm rolls to soak up every drop of sauce.

Tips for Success

• Use pre-cooked chicken to save time—rotisserie is perfect.
• Don’t overbake or the top may get too brown. Cover loosely with foil if needed.
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving so it sets a bit.
• Prep ahead and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
• Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days.

FAQs about Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that disappears fast, gets rave reviews, and makes even a regular weeknight feel like a special occasion. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll hand down, crave often, and always have on standby for cozy nights in.

If you try it, let me know how it turned out! Did you add your own twist? Did your family go back for seconds (or thirds)? I love hearing your kitchen stories. And if casseroles are your comfort food love language, come find me on Pinterest for more easy, cheesy, can’t-stop-eating-it recipes!

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