Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup for a twist)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers (or any buttery crackers)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish:
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix well until the crackers are coated with butter.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the filling a chance to firm up a bit. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness!
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken for ease and extra flavor.
- Add a bit of extra cheese (who doesn’t love more cheese?) if you want it extra gooey.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking so the filling sets and doesn’t spill out everywhere.
DON’T:
- Overmix the casserole filling—it should be creamy but not overly mashed.
- Skip the cracker topping! That buttery crunch is essential for that “million dollar” magic.
- Bake at too high a temperature—it’ll cook unevenly. Stick to 350°F for perfect results.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations:
- Veggie Version: Add 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli to the chicken mixture for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in 1–2 chopped green chilies or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Herb Flavor: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a fresh, aromatic twist.
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness. It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you want to come back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a comforting, cheesy meal that feels like a million bucks! 🧀🍗
