Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a showstopping comfort food that’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole just might be your new go-to! Creamy, savory, and impossibly rich, this dish mingles juicy shredded chicken with a velvety blend of cheeses, smooth sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping. Every bite is the perfect balance of luscious and crunchy. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep lifesaver, you’ll fall in love with just how special (and easy!) this casserole truly is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole keeps things refreshingly simple without sacrificing one ounce of deep flavor. With just a handful of humble kitchen staples, you’ll whip up a dinner that absolutely tastes like a million bucks. Each ingredient plays a starring role in the final flavor, creating that irresistibly creamy, golden-topped masterpiece.

• Cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that binds the casserole together and adds savory depth.
• Cottage cheese: Contributes lightness, extra creaminess, and a subtle tang that keeps the filling from being too heavy.
• Sour cream: Boosts both silkiness and gentle sharpness, enhancing the other dairy ingredients.
• Cream cheese (room temperature): Melts smoothly for the ultimate luxurious texture—don’t skip letting it soften!
• Creole seasoning: Infuses every bite with a subtle, well-balanced kick of spice and warmth.
• Onion powder: Brings mellow, savory undertones without needing to chop a thing.
• Garlic powder (divided): Adds a layer of garlicky goodness to both the filling and the crunchy topping.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken: Saves time without sacrificing juiciness; use about one whole rotisserie bird.
• Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkles in freshness and a punch of color.
• Buttery round crackers (Ritz or similar), crushed: Create an ultra-crisp, golden crust on top.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the cracker topping and helps it become beautifully toasted.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer right under the crumble.
• Sliced scallions: The perfect finishing touch for mild oniony crunch and vibrant green color.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole bakes evenly and that golden cracker topping gets just the right amount of crispy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a medium bowl, stir together your cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, softened cream cheese, Creole seasoning, onion powder, and half of the garlic powder. Mix until you have a smooth, dreamy, and well-blended base—no lumps! This is the secret to a deeply flavorful and satisfyingly rich casserole.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Freshness

Fold in those generous handfuls of shredded rotisserie chicken and freshly chopped parsley. Be gentle to keep the chicken pieces whole, ensuring every bite is loaded. As you mix, you’ll see that gorgeous, creamy filling envelop every piece of chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with melted unsalted butter and the remaining garlic powder. Stir until every crumb is evenly coated—these crunchy bits will create a topping that’s gloriously golden and full of flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into an 11×7-inch or 9-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the entire surface for an extra melty layer. Scatter the cracker mixture evenly on top. This layering makes each forkful a little bit creamy, a little bit cheesy, and irresistibly crunchy on top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Set your dish on a foil-lined baking sheet (for easy cleanup!) and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the crackers are nicely golden and the edges of the casserole are bubbling invitingly. If you like, add a flourish of sliced scallions when serving for a flash of green and a fresh bite.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Add extra style and flavor with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, a shower of thinly sliced scallions, and even a little cracked black pepper on top. These small touches wake up the creamy richness and add a burst of color for fabulous presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with something fresh and bright: a crisp green salad, simple steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus are always reliable favorites. Fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even warm dinner rolls also make scrumptious sidekicks to soak up the cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For individual servings, bake the casserole in small, oven-safe ramekins or mini cocottes for a fun twist on classic comfort food. Hosting a potluck? Scoop generous helpings into toasted bread bowls! Or spoon leftovers onto baked potatoes for an ultra-luxurious lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days—easy for quick meals all week long.

Freezing

To freeze for later, assemble the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, omitting the cracker topping until ready to bake. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the fresh cracker topping, and bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven until hot throughout. For large leftovers, popping the dish back in the oven at 350 degrees F with a loose foil cover will help preserve that irresistibly crispy topping. If the casserole appears dry, a splash of chicken broth will freshen it right up.

FAQs

Can I use poached or baked chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely! Any cooked, shredded chicken works beautifully. Rotisserie chicken is just a time-saving favorite because of its tenderness and flavor, but poached, baked, or even leftover grilled chicken are all fair game.

Is there a substitute for the cottage cheese?

If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta can easily stand in for a similar creamy texture. Greek yogurt can add a little tang, too, but will be slightly less rich.

Can I make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in advance?

Yes! Prepare the casserole through assembly, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add the cracker topping just before popping it in the oven, so it stays perfectly crisp.

What can I use instead of buttery crackers?

If you’re out of Ritz or similar crackers, crushed cornflakes, panko bread crumbs, or even seasoned croutons work well for the topping. Adjust the butter as needed for your topping of choice.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Easily! Swap in your favorite gluten-free cream of chicken soup and use gluten-free crackers. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free, and the texture and flavor will still be crave-worthy.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about pulling a bubbling, golden Million Dollar Chicken Casserole out of the oven. Whether you’re gathering family around the table or sharing leftovers with friends, this recipe brings the cozy, delicious comfort we all crave. I hope you’ll give it a try—your taste buds (and everyone you share it with) will thank you!

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