There’s something magical about a casserole that brings everyone to the table without a single complaint. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is one of those dishes that feels indulgent, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. It’s rich, creamy, packed with tender chicken, and topped with a buttery, golden cracker crust that makes every bite feel like a special occasion—even on an ordinary weeknight.

The name may sound extravagant, but the ingredients are simple, affordable, and pantry-friendly. What makes it “million dollar” is the texture and flavor: a velvety blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, and shredded cheese that coats every shred of chicken in pure comfort. This casserole has been passed around potlucks, family dinners, and church gatherings for decades, and once you make it, you’ll understand why it never goes out of style.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, leftover baked chicken for thriftiness, or even turkey after the holidays. You can prep it ahead of time, freeze it for later, or bake it fresh and bubbling for a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that reheat beautifully, this recipe delivers every single time.

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
4 tbsp butter, melted
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Add the cooked chicken to the creamy mixture and gently fold until the chicken is evenly coated.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are fully coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

An ultra-creamy chicken casserole with cheese and a buttery cracker topping, perfect for comforting family dinners.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Chicken Filling

4 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp onion powder
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper

Topping

1 cup buttery crackers crushed
4 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

Mixing bowls
9×13 inch baking dish
Spatula

Method

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until smooth.
Stir in cheddar cheese and seasonings.
Fold in cooked chicken and spread mixture into baking dish.
Combine crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Let casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Tips & Tricks:

Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest texture and easiest mixing.
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely.
Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes cleaner slices.

Variations:

Million Dollar Chicken with Bacon: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture for smoky richness.
Spicy Version: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the cracker topping and sprinkle extra cheese on top instead.
Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for balance.
Pair with a crisp garden salad and vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Spoon over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles for a heartier meal.

Storage Information:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze unbaked or baked casserole (tightly wrapped) for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

FAQ:

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use different cheese? Absolutely—Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend all work well.
Is cottage cheese noticeable? Not at all. It melts into the sauce, adding creaminess without texture.

History / Fun Facts:
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole became popular in mid-century American kitchens when casseroles were the ultimate symbol of convenience and comfort. Recipes like this were designed to stretch ingredients, feed families, and still feel indulgent. The “million dollar” name stuck because of its rich, luxurious taste—even though it’s made with everyday ingredients.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – The Creamiest Comfort Food Classic