Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Guide to a Comfort Food Favorite

If you’re craving a creamy, savory, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. This classic American comfort food is going viral on social media for a reason—it’s rich, cheesy, and irresistibly indulgent.

The million dollar name comes from the flavor: bold, buttery, and worth every bite. It’s become a staple in weeknight rotations and potluck tables across the country. Thanks to a simple ingredient list and easy prep, home cooks love it for both its taste and convenience. This recipe is perfect whether you’re making dinner for the family or preparing a freezer-friendly meal for busy weeks.

And don’t worry if you’re wondering how to keep leftovers safe. The FDA’s food storage chart can help you know exactly how long casseroles can be refrigerated or frozen.

But the magic is really in the ingredients—shredded chicken, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping all come together for one unforgettable bake. If you’re curious about choosing the right dairy components, this cream cheese buying guide from Serious Eats can help you pick the best options for baking.

What Is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

This dish is the definition of comfort food. It starts with cooked chicken—usually rotisserie or shredded breast meat—and blends it with a creamy, tangy base of cheeses and soup. The whole mixture is poured into a baking dish and topped with crushed crackers and melted butter before baking to bubbly perfection.

The texture is creamy with a crunchy golden topping, and the flavor is a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and rich. It’s a bit like a deluxe version of tuna noodle casserole, but with all the focus on chicken and cheese.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for the classic version:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise (optional but adds richness)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup cottage cheese
• 1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ stick melted butter

Ingredient Tips:

• Want a lighter option? Try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo.
• Add veggies like broccoli or peas to bulk it up.
• Looking to hit your macros? Check out the nutrition facts for chicken breast.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine:
   • Cream cheese
   • Cottage cheese
   • Sour cream
   • Mayonnaise (if using)
   • Cream of chicken soup
   • Seasonings
3. Stir in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheese.
4. Spread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
6. Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Delicious Variations

This recipe is easy to customize to your family’s tastes:

• Million Dollar Chicken & Rice Casserole: Add 2 cups of cooked rice before baking.
• Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole: Stir in cooked egg noodles for a heartier meal.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the crackers and mayo; replace with extra shredded cheese or cream.
• No Cottage Cheese: Sub with ricotta or just use more sour cream.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Mix everything (except crackers) and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Add cracker topping during the last 15 minutes.

Best Side Dishes to Serve With It

Pair your million dollar chicken casserole with simple sides to balance the richness:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Mashed potatoes
• Caesar or garden salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

Storage & Reheating Tips

This dish stores and reheats beautifully:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes.

For food safety details, always refer to the FDA’s storage guidelines.

Nutrition Facts

Depending on serving size and ingredients used, one serving (1/6 of a casserole) typically contains:

• 400–500 calories
• 25–30g fat
• 25–35g protein
• 8–15g carbohydrates

To reduce calories, use low-fat cheeses and swap mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prep in advance? Here’s how:

• Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
• Prepare topping separately and add just before baking to keep it crisp.

What Home Cooks Are Saying

From TikTok to Facebook, cooks are obsessed with this recipe:

• “My picky kids LOVED it. That never happens!”
• “It’s like mac and cheese and chicken pot pie had a baby.”
• “I bring it to every potluck—people always ask for the recipe.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does Million Dollar Chicken taste like?
It’s creamy, savory, tangy, and ultra-cheesy with a crunchy topping. The balance of textures and richness gives it that “million-dollar” flavor.

What goes well with this casserole?
Green beans, side salads, or mashed potatoes balance out the richness. Garlic bread also works great.

How many calories are in a serving?
Depending on your ingredients, about 400–500 calories per serving.

Why is it called Million Dollar Chicken?
It’s not about the cost—it’s about the flavor. It tastes like something expensive or restaurant-quality, but it’s made with basic ingredients you probably already have.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping for a cozy night in, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a guaranteed hit. It’s creamy, cheesy, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable.

So the next time you’re thinking about dinner, skip the takeout and treat yourself to something that feels like a million bucks—but tastes even better.

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