If you re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that s easy to whip up but feels totally luxurious, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this casserole layers rich, creamy flavors with crispy bacon and a buttery Ritz cracker crust-it’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like happiness and your family ask for seconds.
Whether you re rushing to get dinner on the table after a busy day or bringing a hearty dish to potluck, this recipe has you covered. The combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and golden topping elevates a simple chicken casserole into something unforgettable. I promise, once you try this, you ll understand why it s called Million Dollar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity Meets Flavor: You only need a handful of common ingredients to create something truly special.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and crispy all in one satisfying bite that comforts the soul.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it s a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole always impresses.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it early, freeze it, or store leftovers easily without losing flavor or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe come together to create a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures. I love that most of them are pantry staples or easy to find, and you can swap things out if needed.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless is best for even cooking and tenderness-cut into cubes for easy mixing.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances savory notes, pulling everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to make the flavors shine.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharper, the better-it melts beautifully and adds a tangy punch.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creamy base that makes the casserole wonderfully moist.
- Cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese brings extra richness and silkiness.
- Mayonnaise: This sneaky ingredient keeps the mix tangy and creamy.
- Bacon: Cooked crispy and chopped-half mixed in for flavor, half sprinkled on top for crunch.
- Green onions: For a fresh bite; added both inside and on top for color and brightness.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed for that unforgettable golden, buttery topping.
- Unsalted butter: To mix with cracker crumbs for the perfect crispy crust.
Variations
I love how versatile this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is-you can swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing the deliciousness. Play around with these ideas to make it your own!
- Keto-Friendly: I omit the Ritz cracker topping and instead sprinkle extra cheese and bacon for a low-carb, keto-safe version that s just as satisfying.
- Gluten-Free: Swap Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers to keep it safe for gluten sensitivity; all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
- Leftover Chicken: When I have rotisserie chicken on hand, I toss that in and cut baking time-super handy after busy days!
- Veggie Boost: Sometimes I add a cup of chopped broccoli or bell peppers for a pop of color and nutrition without changing the creamy goodness.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Taking a moment here makes cleanup a breeze. Next, toss your cubed chicken breasts into a large bowl and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently so every piece is evenly coated-this is where the flavor starts building, so don t rush!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Goodness Together
Now for the fun part: add sharp cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, half of your crispy bacon, and half of the green onions right into the bowl. I like to use a sturdy spoon or spatula to fold everything gently but thoroughly; this ensures a creamy texture and evenly distributed flavors. Trust me, once you get this mix right, you re halfway to a winner!
Step 3: Assemble and Top
Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it out in a smooth, even layer. In a small bowl, stir together your crushed Ritz crackers with melted unsalted butter until well combined. This buttery crust is what makes this Million Dollar casserole truly stand out. Sprinkle that cracker topping evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until it s bubbling and the topping is a beautiful golden brown. Pro tip: Keep an eye on it after the 45-minute mark because ovens vary, and you don t want to over-bake. Once it s done, let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes; this step is crucial because it allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.
Right before serving, sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon and green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and an extra pop of color. The first time I did this, my family went crazy for that final touch-it really elevates the dish.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: I always let my cream cheese come to room temp for smooth mixing-no lumps!
- Don t Overcrowd the Chicken: Make sure chicken chunks are evenly spread and not packed tight for even cooking.
- Cracker Topping Trick: Melt your butter fully before mixing with crackers to get a rich, crispy crust.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the casserole cool slightly locks in the creaminess and makes cutting easier.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I m a big fan of topping this casserole with extra crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions just before serving-it adds a perfect contrast in texture and a fresh, vibrant bite. Sometimes I sprinkle a touch of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle kick. It s those little finishing touches that make you look like a pro.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also stellar for soaking up those creamy juices-trust me, you won t want to waste a drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes divide this casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings. It makes the presentation feel so elegant, plus everyone gets their own crispy topping. Another fun idea I ve tried is layering a bit of sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers in the bottom of the dish to surprise guests with extra flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, I store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days and reheats beautifully without drying out if you follow the right method.
Freezing
This casserole freezes really well! I prepare it as usual but skip adding the cracker topping before freezing. After covering tightly with plastic wrap and foil, I freeze it up to 3 months. When ready to bake, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add the cracker topping right before popping it into the oven. This trick keeps the topping crisp and fresh tasting.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, which brings back the bubbly creaminess and crisps the topping nicely. For single servings, the microwave works fine-just heat in 1 to 2-minute bursts to avoid drying it out. A quick squeeze of fresh green onions over the top after reheating really brightens it back up.
FAQs
-
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just reduce the baking time to about 30 minutes since the chicken is already cooked. This keeps the casserole creamy and prevents the chicken from drying out.
-
Is the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole gluten-free?
The original recipe isn t gluten-free due to the Ritz crackers and cream of chicken soup, which often contains gluten. However, you can make it gluten-free by substituting gluten-free crackers and checking your soup label, or making your own gluten-free cream sauce. This way, you keep all the flavor without the gluten.
-
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for a day before baking. Just add the crumb topping right before popping it in the oven. It s also great for freezing before or after baking (without the crumb topping) with simple instructions to reheat and serve.
-
What if I don t have cream cheese or mayonnaise?
These ingredients help add richness and creaminess, but if you don t have them, you can swap in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
-
How can I make this casserole more vegetable-friendly?
I like adding cooked broccoli, bell peppers, or even spinach into the mixture before baking. It sneaks in extra nutrients and freshness and plays well with the creamy cheese and chicken. Just make sure any added veggies aren t overly watery to keep the casserole from getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe, it might just become one of your go-to comfort dishes like it has for me. It’s cozy, rich, and so easy to customize-even on your busiest days, you ll find it impresses with minimal effort. I love sharing this recipe with friends because it always brings people together around the table. Seriously, give it a shot and watch it become a family favorite in your home too!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and savory baked dish featuring tender cubed chicken breasts mixed with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and creamy condiments, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust and crispy bacon. Perfect for comforting family meals, this casserole combines creamy textures with a crunchy topping for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 5 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped (half of the total bacon)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (half of the total green onions)
Topping
- 10 slices bacon, cooked until crispy, chopped and divided (half for mixture, half for topping)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced and divided (half for mixture, half for topping)
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix chicken and seasonings: Place the cubed chicken breast pieces in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix carefully to coat the chicken evenly with all the seasonings.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Add shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese (softened), mayonnaise, half of the chopped cooked bacon, and half of the sliced green onions to the bowl with the chicken. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a creamy mixture.
- Assemble casserole: Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer to ensure uniform cooking.
- Prepare cracker topping: In a small bowl, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is well coated and crumbly.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the casserole dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the Ritz cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes so it sets slightly. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon and green onions over the top for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Chicken type: This recipe uses raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into chunks. Leftover or rotisserie chicken can be substituted, reducing the bake time to about 30 minutes.
- Make-ahead instructions: Prepare the casserole up to the point before adding the cracker topping. Refrigerate covered and add the topping right before baking. This makes a great dish to prepare a day in advance.
- Freezing instructions: For freezing, cover the assembled casserole (without cracker topping) tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before baking. Add the topping just before baking.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Keto/Gluten-free modifications: Omit Ritz crackers for a keto or low-carb option. Use gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-free. Check the cream of chicken soup label to ensure it is gluten-free.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
