Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

When a dish earns the name “Million Dollar,” you know it promises indulgent comfort and bold flavors. This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, rich, and packed with chicken in every bite. It’s the kind of cozy meal you crave after a long day or want to share during a potluck or holiday dinner.

The creamy base blends beautifully with shredded chicken and the subtle tang of sour cream, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust that adds a golden crunch. It’s hearty, filling, and comes together with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have. Even better, it reheats like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This casserole is not just delicious, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s quick to mix, bakes hands-free, and feeds a crowd. It’s also one of those dishes that everyone loves—kids, picky eaters, and even guests who weren’t planning on staying for dinner. You can prep it ahead, freeze it, or toss in leftover rotisserie chicken. Flexible, flavorful, and family-approved.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best?

You can use just about any cooked chicken for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken is a fast favorite because it adds extra flavor and saves time. But poached, roasted, or even grilled chicken breasts work great too. If you’re batch cooking chicken during meal prep, this is the perfect recipe to use up some of that shredded protein. Just make sure it’s seasoned well and not overly wet.

Ingredients for the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

The heart of this dish lies in its creamy layers and crispy topping. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Cooked Chicken: You’ll want about 3 cups, shredded or chopped. It’s the star of the show, so use good-quality or well-seasoned chicken.

Cream Cheese: This adds a silky richness to the base. Soften it first to make blending easy.

Sour Cream: For a little tang that balances the heaviness of the cheese.

Cream of Chicken Soup: The base for the creamy sauce that holds everything together.

Ranch Seasoning: This gives the whole dish a flavorful punch with herbs and savory notes.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty and sharp, this binds and flavors the casserole from the inside.

Ritz Crackers: Crushed for a golden buttery topping. They add texture and salt.

Melted Butter: Tossed with the crackers to help them toast perfectly in the oven.

How To Make the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cheese

Fold in your shredded chicken and cheddar cheese. Stir gently to coat every piece in the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle this buttery goodness over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

Serving and Storing Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This dish feeds 6 to 8 hungry people, depending on serving size. Serve it hot right out of the oven. It’s one of those meals that pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or steamed veggie.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through. It also freezes well before baking—just assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What to Serve With Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

Steamed Green Beans

Their crisp freshness balances out the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized edges and a hint of bitterness make these a great contrast.

Classic Caesar Salad

Creamy, tangy, and crunchy—the ideal side for this creamy dish.

Garlic Bread

Because extra carbs never hurt when the main dish is this comforting.

Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking to double down on comfort, creamy potatoes are the way to go.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

The slight sweetness pairs nicely with the savory layers of the casserole.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Light, juicy, and refreshing, it helps reset the palate.

Cornbread Muffins

Fluffy and just a touch sweet, they soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you’re all about warm, bubbly casseroles packed with flavor, check out these other irresistible dishes from the Luna Meals kitchen:

• Try our creamy, veggie-loaded Low Carb Chicken Casserole when you want comfort without the carbs.
• Don’t miss the cheesy indulgence in our Amish Sunday Savior Casserole
• Go for easy weeknight deliciousness with Smothered Chicken and Rice
• Or cozy up with the comforting Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add some bacon bits? Maybe a little hot sauce for a spicy twist?

I love hearing how others customize these recipes. Share your tips or questions and let’s get cooking together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food ideas and hearty recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight favorite!

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole lives up to its name. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving a crowd or stashing it in the freezer for later, it brings together everything we love about cozy, homemade food. Try it once, and it might just become your new signature dish.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?