Introduction
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is one of those recipes that earns its name from the very first bite. I like to make this dish when I want something comforting, rich, and incredibly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken is folded into a luxurious, creamy mixture and baked until bubbly and lightly golden on top. It is the kind of meal that feels indulgent and cozy, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. What I appreciate most about this casserole is its simplicity. The ingredients are familiar, the steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious. It pairs well with simple sides and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy schedules. If you enjoy creamy casseroles that deliver maximum comfort with minimal effort, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a recipe you will want to keep on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to prepare. It uses simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and bakes into a comforting, satisfying meal. It is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for stress-free dinners.
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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Ultra Creamy, Comforting, and Crowd-Pleasing
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy comfort-food dish made with tender chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add cooked chicken and shredded cheese; mix until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- Can be assembled ahead and baked later.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Chicken
Cooked chicken provides tender, protein-rich bites throughout the casserole. Rotisserie chicken works especially well.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese creates a rich, smooth base that gives the casserole its signature creaminess.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds tang and balances the richness of the dish.
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese adds body and a subtle creaminess without overwhelming heaviness.
Butter
Butter enhances flavor and adds richness to the sauce.
Garlic
Garlic adds savory depth and aroma.
Salt
Salt enhances and balances all the flavors.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds gentle warmth and balance.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning adds mild herbal notes that complement the creamy base.
Crackers
Crackers form a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a baking dish. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, melted butter, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Fold the cooked chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Crush the crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Allow it to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves six people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a small splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is easy to customize. You can add shredded cheese for extra richness or mix in cooked vegetables such as broccoli or peas. For added crunch, mix a little melted butter into the cracker topping before baking. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly lighter version. This casserole works well served over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein from chicken and fats from dairy ingredients. It is a rich, filling meal best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Room Temperature Dairy
Allow cream cheese to soften for easier mixing.
Even Chicken Pieces
Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture.
Golden Topping
Bake uncovered to achieve a crisp topping.
Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole sit briefly to set.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and bake when ready.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before baking and thaw before cooking.
What crackers work best?
Buttery crackers work best for flavor and crunch.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, shredded cheddar or mozzarella work well.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it is mild, creamy, and comforting.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, cooked thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and reheat gently.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, spinach, or peas are good additions.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A simple salad or roasted vegetables pair well.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that lives up to its name. With tender chicken, a rich sauce, and a crunchy topping, it delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or sharing with others, this casserole is a dependable recipe that always satisfies.
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