This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The creamy blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese creates a decadent filling, while the buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a satisfying crunch.
It’s a versatile recipe—you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Plus, the casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
Ingredients:
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Oven Preparation: Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, blend the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
Season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed.
Fill the Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.
Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the mixture is well coated.
Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole bubbles around the edges and the topping turns a delicious golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
If desired, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
For variations, you can swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
You can also add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach to the chicken mixture for added nutrition.
For a spicier kick, mix in some diced green chilies or a few dashes of hot sauce.
If you prefer a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream.
You can also experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for some heat or Parmesan for extra richness.
For tips, make sure the chicken is well-cooked and shredded or diced evenly so it distributes nicely throughout the casserole.
Crush the Ritz crackers finely for a crisp topping, and if you want extra crunch, mix in some panko breadcrumbs with the crackers.
To avoid a runny casserole, drain any excess liquid from the cooked chicken before mixing.
Lastly, let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set, making it easier to serve.
To store your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, first let it cool completely after baking.
Once cooled, transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole.
To do so, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container.
It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, covering with foil to prevent the topping from browning too quickly.
If reheating from frozen, allow extra baking time.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Kcal: 450 per serving