Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

📝 Description:

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. This easy baked dish combines shredded chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, condensed soup, cheddar cheese, and crispy crackers for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s like chicken pot pie meets cheesy dip in casserole form!

🍗 Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed

• 4 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

3. Fold in shredded chicken and cheddar cheese. Mix well to coat the chicken.

4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.

5. In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until well coated.

6. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken.

7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

8. Let cool slightly. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

🍴 Servings:

Serves 6–8

📌 Notes:

• You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a flavor twist.

• Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.

• For added texture, stir in frozen peas, corn, or cooked bacon bits.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

💡 Tips:

• Use block cheese and shred it yourself — it melts better and has no anti-caking agents.

• Add a layer of cooked egg noodles or rice under the casserole mixture for a more filling one-dish meal.

• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to help it set.

🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – based on 8 servings):

Approximate values

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 24g

• Carbs: 12g

• Fat: 31g

• Saturated Fat: 15g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 780mg

• Sugar: 2g

✅ Health Benefits:

• High in protein from chicken and cheese, which supports muscle repair.

• Comforting & satiating — helps reduce cravings.

• Can be modified with low-fat dairy or veggies to increase nutritional value.

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can it be frozen?
A: Yes, freeze after assembly (before baking) or after baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: What sides go best with this dish?
A: A green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans pair nicely to balance the richness.

Q: Can I make this without canned soup?
A: Yes — substitute with homemade white sauce (butter, flour, broth, and milk).

Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Its creamy, cheesy flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults.