This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a treasure of a recipe, bubbling with creamy, cheesy goodness and topped with a perfectly golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s the kind of easy, comforting dinner that makes any weeknight feel special.
I can still see my dad, James, smiling at the smell of this casserole after a long day. He’d always say it tasted like a million dollars. For me, this comforting, cheesy bake is the taste of home, a warm memory of our Sunday suppers together.
What Makes This Casserole a Family Favorite
- Effortless Prep: This cheesy casserole comes together quickly, especially when using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The creamy combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and sharp cheddar is a guaranteed family favorite.
- Iconic Cracker Topping: The buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping provides the perfect textural contrast to the rich filling.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Versatile Main Course: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of simple sides, from fresh salads to fluffy rice or noodles.
What You’ll Need for This Hug in a Dish
For the Filling:
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (optional)
For the Ritz Cracker Topping:
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 2 cups crumbs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional, for extra savor)
My Go-To Kitchen Tools for This Recipe
Before we gather our ingredients, here are the two simple tools I always rely on for this dish.
A Trusted 9×13-inch Baking Dish
A sturdy 9×13-inch baking dish is my trusted companion for this casserole; it gives the filling plenty of room to get bubbly without spilling over.
A Roomy Mixing Bowl
I always reach for a nice, big mixing bowl, which makes folding the shredded chicken and cheese into the creamy sauce so much easier without making a mess.
Let’s Get Cooking, Shall We?
The First Cozy Step: Prep Your Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven heated to 350°F (175°C). I always like to grease my 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure none of that cheesy goodness gets left behind.
The Heart of the Casserole: The Creamy Sauce
In your mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until it’s nice and smooth. Then, gently stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is where all that comforting flavor starts to build.
Putting It All Together: The Filling
Now, fold in your shredded chicken and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Spread this mixture evenly into your prepared dish. I like to sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar over the top for an extra layer of cheesy delight.
The Golden Touch: Our Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and Parmesan, if you’re using it. Don’t be shy with the butter; it’s what makes the topping so perfectly crisp and golden. Scatter these crumbs evenly over the casserole.
The Magic Moment: Baking to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the topping has turned a beautiful deep golden brown. The aroma that fills the kitchen is simply heavenly.
A Golden Rule: Let It Rest
Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This little bit of patience allows the filling to set, making it much easier to serve. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a lovely touch of color and freshness.
A Quick Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional values provided are an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.
For a Lighter, Healthier Bite
- Lighten the Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream and use a low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Add Some Veggies: Feel free to fold in a cup of steamed vegetables like broccoli florets, peas, or corn to add extra nutrients and fiber.
- Whole Wheat Topping: Swap the Ritz crackers for whole wheat cracker crumbs or even a mix of breadcrumbs and oats for a healthier crunch.
Bringing it to the Family Table
- I love serving a generous spoonful of this casserole over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all the creamy sauce.
- A crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a wonderful, fresh contrast to the richness of the million dollar chicken bake.
- For an extra hearty meal, just like Dad used to love, plate it alongside some buttered egg noodles and steamed green beans.
Sarah’s Kitchen Wisdom
- Forgetting to Rest: Don’t be tempted to dig in right away! Letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes is key to allowing the filling to set properly, so you can serve neat, lovely portions.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on it as it bakes. If you leave it in for too long, the casserole can become dry, and the cracker topping might burn.
- Skipping the Seasoning: The spices might seem simple, but the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are essential for giving the creamy base a depth of flavor.
How to Store and Savor Leftovers
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering the baking dish tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
From My Kitchen to Yours
There is so much love baked into this simple casserole. It’s more than just a weeknight dinner; it’s a dish that holds memories and creates new ones. I hope that when you make this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, it brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it has to mine. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy every bite.
A Few Common Kitchen Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, you could easily use a Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses to customize the flavor.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, this baked casserole freezes quite well. For best results, assemble it without the cracker topping, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then add the fresh Ritz cracker topping just before baking as directed.
What kind of shredded chicken is best?
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds wonderful flavor. However, you can use any cooked chicken breast you have on hand, whether it’s baked, boiled, or leftover from another meal.
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. A comforting, family-favorite dinner that feels special every time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (optional)
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed (about 2 cups crumbs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in shredded chicken and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Spread evenly in prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top.
- In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and Parmesan (if using). Scatter evenly over casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until edges are bubbly and topping is golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, and fold in steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, million dollar chicken, creamy casserole, Ritz cracker topping, family dinner