Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole lives up to its name, creamy, decadent, and satisfying with layers of flavor. Tender chicken is enveloped in a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, then topped with a buttery cracker crust. Every bite is warm, comforting, and indulgent, making it the perfect centerpiece for an easy dinner on busy weeknights, potlucks and holiday gatherings.

Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Casseroles are one of my favorite go-to make-ahead meals. They’re easy to assemble with pantry staples I always have around, and I love that they can sit ready to bake right before dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

As for how this casserole got its name, that’s still a mystery, but I’m convinced it’s thanks to its ease of preparation and downright delicious flavor. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet tasty enough to serve to company.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need on hand to make this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Chicken – 6 cups cooked shredded chicken.
Cream Cheese – Chive and onion cream cheese gives the sauce a creamy texture.
Sour Cream and Mayo– Sour Cream combines with the mayonnaise to thin the easy sauce.
Soup – Cream of chicken soup makes this casserole simple to pull together in minutes.
Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese and shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.
Seasonings – Granulated garlic or garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, seasoned salt, black pepper.
Crackers – Crushed buttery crackers like Ritz crackers, Parmesan cheese and melted unsalted butter for the topping.
Fresh Herbs – Fresh parsley for garnishing.

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How to Make the BEST Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Heat Oven and Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Combine Sauce Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
Add Soup, Cheese and Seasonings – Add the cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper. Stir by hand until well blended.
Combine with Chicken – Fold the shredded chicken into the delicious sauce, making sure it is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Transfer to Dish – Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Cracker Topping – Combine crushed crackers, Parmesan and melted butter, sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken casserole.
Oven – Bake in the preheated oven per the cooking time in the recipe until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve – Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley and serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Large mixing bowl and small bowl.
Hand mixer for whipping the sauce ingredients.
13×9-inch casserole dish.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Rubber spatula or spoon for stirring everything together.

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Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Cooked Chicken – Use a mix of white and dark meat chicken for the best flavor. You can use poached chicken, baked chicken, split chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Any leftover chicken will work.
Cheese – I like to use freshly grated cheese to make my own cheese blend. For a time saver, you can use pre-shredded cheese. Mild cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, pepper jack cheese, mozzarella cheese or gruyere cheese would all work well.
Cottage Cheese – You can swap out the mayonnaise using cottage cheese.
Soup – You could use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
Spices – Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth to the flavor, don’t skip it. You could also add a few dashes of hot sauce for extra kick.
Veggies – Add cooked broccoli or baby spinach, green onions, mushrooms, mixed vegetables, green beans or peas to make this a one dish meal.
Peppers – Make it spicy by adding chopped jalapeños or a can of diced green chiles to the filling.
Crispy Topping – Try topping this easy chicken casserole with crushed club crackers or cornflakes instead of crackers for extra crunch.
Sour Cream – You can replace the sour cream, using Greek yogurt, if you want it lighter.
Individual Servings – You can divide the chicken mixture baking in individual ramekins for individual portions.
Serving Option – Pair this chicken casserole with a crisp salad to balance the richness. You could also serve it over rice, egg noodles or with a heaping helping of mashed potatoes.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating – Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven just until heated through.
Freezer – Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

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More Chicken Casserole Recipes to Make

Chicken and Rice Casserole is an oldie but goodie.
Crockpot Chicken and Dressing Casserole simmers in your slow cooker while you go about your day.
Chicken and Smoked Sausage Cassoulet is hearty and filling.
Mexican Chicken Casserole is always a hit.
The family will flip for this Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Casserole is a triple threat flavor combination.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Noodle Casserole is a family friendly weeknight meal.
Creamy Chicken Bacon Pasta is a stovetop casserole that comes together in minutes.
French Onion Chicken Casserole from The Pioneer Woman.

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