Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a creamy, comforting, and downright delicious meal, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is exactly what you need! Packed with savory flavors and cheesy goodness, it's the perfect dish to bring to a potluck or serve at home for a family dinner. With its easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation, you'll love how this casserole elevates basic chicken into something truly irresistible. Keep reading to discover the step-by-step guide to creating this rich, creamy dish.

this Recipe

What is "Million Dollar Chicken Casserole"?

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a delightful baked dish combining shredded chicken with a luxurious mix of cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, and herbs. It's then topped with crunchy Ritz crackers and melted butter, creating a perfect contrast between creamy and crispy. The dish gets its name because it's so delicious, it tastes like a million bucks!

This casserole is an all-in-one meal that's easy to make ahead and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner or just need a simple yet hearty dish to feed the family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients List for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¾ cup ricotta cheese
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken with herbs (I used Campbell’s brand)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic salt (I used Lawry’s brand)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups shredded white meat chicken (approximately 2 pounds)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1½ cups Ritz cracker crumbs (from 1 sleeve of 32 crackers)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

These ingredients blend to form a harmonious combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to put your own twist on this recipe, here are some easy substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken: If you don’t have cooked shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. You can also use leftover turkey or even canned chicken in a pinch.
• Ricotta Cheese: Substitute cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter texture or if you're out of ricotta.
• Ritz Crackers: Swap out Ritz crackers for breadcrumbs or panko for a different crunch. You can also try a buttery cracker alternative like Club crackers.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack would also work well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese depending on what’s in your fridge.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream for a higher protein and slightly tangier option.
• Herbs and Spices: You can easily add a pinch of paprika, dried thyme, or even a bit of chili powder if you want to spice things up.

Feel free to adjust the recipe to match your taste preferences or dietary needs!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting, flavorful chicken casserole ready in no time!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, you can start preparing the ingredients.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. You can either poach chicken breasts or use leftover chicken from a previous meal. Rotisserie chicken works great for this step. You’ll need around 4 cups of shredded chicken.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cheese

Gently fold in the shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese into the creamy mixture. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the Ritz cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well-coated in the butter. This will form the crispy topping for your casserole.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the dish, ensuring the chicken is distributed throughout. Then, sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. The crackers should be crispy, and the cheese should be fully melted.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

To make this even easier to follow, here’s a condensed guide to cooking Million Dollar Chicken Casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook and shred the chicken if not using pre-cooked or rotisserie.
3. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, cream of chicken soup, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl.
4. Fold in shredded chicken and mozzarella cheese.
5. Prepare the topping by mixing Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.
6. Assemble the casserole in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture and top with cracker crumbs.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish and serve with fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the casserole. The topping should be golden, but not too dark. Overbaking can dry out the chicken, making the casserole less creamy.
• Skipping the Softening: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese will be harder to blend and could leave lumps.
• Using Wet Chicken: Be sure to drain and pat dry the chicken if you’re using canned or rotisserie chicken. Excess moisture can make the casserole runny.
• Forgetting the Topping: The Ritz cracker topping is what makes this casserole extra special. Don’t skip it, or you’ll miss out on that satisfying crunch!

Serving and Presentation Tips

To serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole like a pro, here are some great presentation ideas:

• Serve hot and fresh: This casserole is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when it’s hot and bubbling.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions can brighten up the dish and add some color.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or even a side of garlic bread for a full meal.
• Portion Control: For an elegant presentation, scoop out individual portions with a large spoon and place them on separate plates.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This dish pairs well with many sides, making it versatile for any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• With Rice: Serve the casserole over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the creamy goodness.
• With Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• On Its Own: This casserole is hearty enough to be served as a stand-alone dish.

Presentation Ideas for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Elevate the presentation of this casserole with these ideas:

• In a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have a large cast iron skillet, bake the casserole in it for a rustic, homey presentation.
• Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the table for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Individual Ramekins: For a more refined look, portion the casserole into individual ramekins and bake.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Simply bake it when you're ready to serve.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before baking, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other meats?
A: Yes, you can substitute turkey or even ham for the chicken in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply replace the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.

Q: How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use low-fat ingredients?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella if you prefer a lighter version.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and sure to please the whole family. Whether you're making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole will become a go-to recipe. So why not give it a try and see how easy it is to create a dish that truly tastes like a million bucks?

Print