Million-Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and comforting baked dish made with tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup, all topped with buttery crushed crackers. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that tastes luxurious while being incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It comes together quickly using cooked chicken, making it perfect for leftovers or rotisserie chicken. The creamy filling is smooth, savory, and satisfying, while the buttery cracker topping adds the perfect crunchy contrast.
You’ll also love how versatile it is. You can customize it with cheese, vegetables, or grains to make it even heartier. Plus, it’s family-friendly, make-ahead capable, and requires only a handful of pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup 2% cottage cheese
25 Ritz crackers, crushed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 green onions, chopped
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps.
Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, onion powder, and garlic powder. Beat until well combined and smooth.
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and cottage cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated.
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40 minutes
Variations
Add shredded cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack to the filling for an extra creamy, melty texture.
Make it more filling by stirring in 1 to 2 cups of cooked rice or cooked egg noodles before baking. If adding extra ingredients, consider using a slightly larger baking dish.
Add vegetables like sautéed onions, baby spinach, steamed broccoli florets, or peas to turn this into a complete one-dish meal.
Swap the cracker topping for panko breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, crushed pretzels, or potato chips for a different crunchy finish.
Replace the onion and garlic powder with 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix for a bold flavor twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place a portion in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. For best texture, reheat larger portions in the oven at 325°F until hot, which helps maintain the crisp topping.
This casserole is not ideal for freezing because the dairy-rich filling may separate and become grainy once thawed.
If making ahead, prepare the filling and refrigerate it separately. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, add the topping, and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. One large rotisserie chicken typically yields about 4 to 5 cups of shredded or cubed chicken.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
Can I use low-fat dairy products?
You can substitute reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. The texture may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I use raw chicken in this casserole?
No. The chicken must be fully cooked before adding it to the mixture.
What can I serve with million-dollar chicken casserole?
It pairs well with steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it over rice or noodles.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I keep the topping crispy?
Bake the casserole uncovered and avoid covering it while reheating in the oven to maintain crispness.
Can I substitute cottage cheese?
You may use ricotta cheese as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly smoother.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
You can use crushed butter crackers, panko breadcrumbs, saltines, or even crushed pretzels.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is ready when it is heated through and bubbly around the edges, and the topping is golden brown.
Conclusion
Million-Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, satisfying dish that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. With its rich filling and buttery crunchy topping, it’s a dependable recipe for family dinners, potlucks, or using up leftover chicken. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this casserole truly tastes like a million bucks without the high price tag.
A rich and creamy baked chicken casserole made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup, topped with buttery crushed crackers. This comforting dish is simple to prepare and perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup 2% cottage cheese
25 Ritz crackers, crushed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Add condensed cream of chicken soup, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Stir in shredded cooked chicken and cottage cheese until evenly incorporated.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until heated through and topping is golden brown.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra richness.
Stir in cooked rice or noodles to make it heartier.
Reheat uncovered in the oven to maintain a crisp topping.
Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy-rich filling.
