Ultimate Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

2 tablespoons melted butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

First, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, I combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I stir everything until smooth and well-blended.

Next, I add the shredded chicken, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese into the bowl. I give it a good mix until everything is combined.

Once the chicken mixture is ready, I transfer it to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to make sure it’s all covered.

In a separate bowl, I combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. I stir the mixture until the crackers are evenly coated in the butter.

Now comes the fun part! I sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the chicken casserole.

I bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

After it’s done baking, I let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving it to my family.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Variations

While I love this casserole just the way it is, there are a few variations I can try to change things up:

Add vegetables: For some extra nutrition, I can add veggies like peas, spinach, or broccoli to the casserole. They blend in perfectly with the creamy chicken mixture.

Spicy kick: If I enjoy a little heat, I can stir in some diced green chilies or a bit of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

Different cheeses: I could experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Gluten-free: To make it gluten-free, I could substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

If I happen to have leftovers (though that rarely happens!), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I can place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through, or I can microwave individual portions for a quicker option.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great option for saving time, and it adds even more flavor. I simply shred it and use it in the casserole just like the cooked chicken.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! If I want to make it ahead of time, I can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to bake, I’ll thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it as usual.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the casserole the day before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, I just need to bake it as directed, which makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?

Of course! While Ritz crackers provide a buttery, crunchy topping, I could use other types of crackers, like saltines or buttery garlic crackers, if I prefer. The topping will still be delicious!

How can I make this dish healthier?

If I want to lighten it up, I can use reduced-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. I could also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese option. Additionally, adding vegetables can make it a more nutritious meal.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a recipe I’ll always come back to because it’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, I know this casserole will always be a hit. With its creamy, cheesy filling and buttery, crunchy topping, it’s comfort food at its best.