If you’re searching for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug, the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is your perfect answer. This luscious casserole brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy textures, and a beautifully crunchy topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a crowd-pleaser that effortlessly balances simplicity with decadent flavor, meaning you can whip it up any night of the week yet still impress your family or guests. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper and once you try it, it will become a go-to for cozy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart of this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe, each one playing its essential role to provide rich flavor, creaminess, and that irresistible crunch on top. Every item is easy to find and comes together beautifully to create a dish loaded with satisfaction and subtle layers of taste.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using cooked chicken keeps prep quick and adds hearty protein.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup: This adds creamy richness that binds everything.
- 1 cup sour cream: Provides tanginess and smooth texture for a luscious filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the mixture adding a sharp, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz): Creates the golden, crunchy topping that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the mixture and balances thickness.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Adds fresh color and a mild onion flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle punch of savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings gentle heat to brighten the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1/2 cup melted butter: Ensures the cracker topping crisps to perfection.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for baking the casserole perfectly. While the oven warms up, prepare your ingredients so everything can come together effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir this mixture well until all ingredients are harmoniously blended into a smooth, creamy base that’s bursting with savory flavor.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Freshness
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. The cheese melts beautifully during baking, while the green onions add that subtle fresh pop that keeps the dish lively and balanced.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in your chicken mixture. Spread it evenly across the dish to make sure every bite has that perfect balance of creamy chicken and cheese.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter. Mix until each cracker crumb is coated with butter, ready to toast to a golden, irresistible crisp in the oven.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken base. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbling hot and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown, creating that perfect contrast of textures.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes so it can set slightly. This makes it easier to serve and lets the flavors mingle beautifully before digging in.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or extra green onions on top instantly brightens the look and adds a fresh flavor note. If you love a little heat, a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes can add an exciting twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli to balance out the richness. For a cozy meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls make perfect companions to scoop up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant and personalized touch at your dinner table. Alternatively, layering it with sliced tomatoes before baking gives it a colorful, fresh layer that looks amazing and adds subtle acidity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It stays delicious and moist, ready for quick reheating the next day without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. For best results, assemble and wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge prior to reheating or baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through and the topping crisps back up. Microwaving works too for convenience, but the oven preserves that lovely crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and shred your chicken before starting the recipe. Using pre-cooked chicken saves time but fresh-cooked works just as well.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, you can make a quick homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth for a fresher version. This keeps the creamy consistency without processed ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for cooked mushrooms, beans, or a medley of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Adjust seasoning to keep it flavorful and hearty.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free crackers for the topping and ensure your soup and other ingredients are gluten-free. This adjustment leaves all the deliciousness intact for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How long does the casserole keep its crunchy topping after baking?
The topping stays crispiest right after baking. Once refrigerated and reheated, it will soften slightly, but reheating in the oven helps bring back some of that crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add a tried-and-true classic to your recipe collection, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to prepare, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to experience the comforting, cheesy, crispy magic in every bite!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with sour cream and cream of chicken soup, topped with a buttery cracker crust. This comforting casserole is quick to prepare, perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and serves 8 people.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Mix Chicken Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Add Cheese and Onions: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions into the chicken mixture for flavor and texture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the crackers are fully coated.
- Top the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save preparation time.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of paprika or dried herbs like thyme or parsley to the chicken mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead, refrigerated, and baked when ready.
