Irresistible Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe for Families

Million dollar chicken casserole represents the ultimate comfort food that elevates ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Creamy textures and rich flavors merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises to elevate your dinner routine.

Home cooks appreciate its simplicity and remarkable ability to satisfy diverse palates with minimal effort.

Sophisticated yet unpretentious, this casserole combines traditional ingredients in unexpected ways that surprise and delight dinner guests.

Layers of savory goodness create a harmonious blend of tender protein, velvety sauce, and crisp toppings that meld together perfectly.

Weeknight meals benefit from its straightforward preparation and minimal cleanup requirements.

Families and friends will eagerly gather around the table, anticipating each delectable bite.

Cooking Tips for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Shred Like a Pro: Use rotisserie chicken or quickly shred leftover chicken breasts for a faster preparation process.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Grate fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more luxurious texture and better melting quality.
• Cracker Crunch Trick: Crush crackers just before adding to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess on top of the casserole.
• Season Smartly: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasonings to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

How to Keep and Reheat Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain the crispy cracker topping.

What Complements Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Best

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the rich, creamy casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the dish's heaviness and refreshing your palate.
• Serve with Tangy Green Salad: Create balance by adding a light, zesty salad with lemon vinaigrette, bringing brightness to the cheesy, comforting chicken casserole.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Add garlic-roasted broccoli or asparagus as a side, providing a nutritious and colorful contrast to the creamy, golden-brown casserole.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a cool, crunchy cucumber slaw with dill and a touch of vinegar, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, rich main dish.

Variations of Million Dollar Chicken Casserole to Try

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and replace some cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Bake: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap oregano for fresh basil and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Casserole: Substitute crushed crackers with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and add riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Ranch-Inspired Chicken Delight: Mix in ranch seasoning, add crispy bacon bits, and top with green onions for a tangy and savory variation that brings classic ranch flavors to the casserole.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Everyone Loves

• Creamy Comfort Explosion: This casserole delivers an incredibly rich and velvety texture that melts in your mouth, combining multiple cheeses and creamy sauces for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Effortless Gourmet Magic: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, home cooks can easily create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes sophisticated without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you need a crowd-pleasing main course that satisfies both kids and adults with its cheesy, crispy cracker topping and hearty chicken base.

Items You Need for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy meat as the primary protein, perfect for casseroles with rich flavor and satisfying texture.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredients that add richness and smooth consistency to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide depth of flavor and create a golden, stretchy topping.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds moisture and enhances the overall chicken flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings that boost savory profile without adding extra moisture.
• Oregano: Herb that brings a subtle earthy note to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Buttery Crackers, Melted Butter: Creates a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds textural contrast to the creamy casserole.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

Steps to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create the Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients are completely blended.

Step 3: Spread the Chicken Base

Pour the mixed chicken filling into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed buttery crackers
• Melted butter

Combine until the crackers are well-coated with butter.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Cracker Layer

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken base, creating an even layer.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges start bubbling.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to settle. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions and serve hot. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole combines creamy textures with hearty Southern comfort. Cheesy layers of tender chicken, cream cheese, and crispy crackers create a luxurious meal that delights family gatherings with rich, satisfying flavors you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 cups (960 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Cheese Blend:

• 1 cup (240 ml / 4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml / 4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml / 4 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• 10.75 ounces (305 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 ml / 4 ounces) crushed buttery crackers
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Assemble all ingredients and preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating a warm environment for the casserole to develop rich flavors.
2. Prepare a spacious baking dish by lightly coating it with grease to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
3. Create a creamy chicken base by thoroughly blending shredded chicken with a medley of dairy components including sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup.
4. Enhance the mixture’s depth by incorporating a trio of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan – which will provide a luxurious, melted texture.
5. Season the chicken mixture with aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile.
6. Spread the seasoned chicken mixture uniformly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
7. Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed buttery crackers with melted butter, creating a golden, crunchy layer.
8. Distribute the cracker mixture generously over the chicken base, covering the entire surface for a delightful textural contrast.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the edges bubble and the top transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
10. Once baked, allow the casserole to rest briefly, helping the ingredients set and intensify their flavors.
11. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with this indulgent, cheesy chicken casserole that combines creamy textures and crunchy cracker topping.
• Prep this dish ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal.
• Choose rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor and reduces kitchen prep work.
• Ensure crackers are freshly crushed for maximum crunch and buttery richness across the casserole’s golden top.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain the crispy cracker layer.
• Pair with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, creamy casserole for a complete dinner experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg