If you adore ultra-comforting casseroles that taste like pure decadence but come together simply, then you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. Imagine juicy shredded chicken nestled in a cloud of creamy cheeses and tangy sour cream, topped with a buttery golden cracker crust—every bite feels like a little celebration. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a standout dish to share at your next potluck, this recipe is about to earn a spot on your favorites list!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bringing this Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole to life requires just a handful of humble ingredients, but each one plays a key role. From the velvety cheeses to the crunchy topping, every component brings something special to the table—flavor, texture, or that irresistible gooeyness we all crave.
- Chicken: Go for rotisserie or leftover roast chicken for incredible flavor and tender texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened to easily blend into the casserole, making it velvety smooth.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess that balances the other rich ingredients.
- Cottage cheese: Lends a boost of protein, a light texture, and a subtle flavor underneath all that cheese.
- Mayonnaise: Rounds out the sauce with a touch of richness and helps everything stay moist.
- Mozzarella cheese: For ultimate meltiness and that delightful cheese pull.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharp flavor and an appealing golden color once baked.
- Garlic: Just two cloves bring bold aroma and savory notes.
- Onion powder: Delivers gentle onion flavor without chopping or tears!
- Italian seasoning: Infuses each bite with herby, aromatic complexity.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skip it.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and a bit of bite.
- Buttery crackers: Crushed for that iconic crisp, golden topping.
- Unsalted butter: Melds with the crackers for a topping that’s pure bliss.
- Fresh parsley: A pop of green and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Baking Dish Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s perfectly hot when your casserole is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This ensures easy cleanup and that your casserole comes out easily golden and inviting.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a really good stir—you want a smooth, uniform blend so each scoop is satisfyingly creamy and flavorful.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Now it’s time to gently fold the shredded chicken into your creamy mixture. Stir until every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in that luscious cheese sauce. This is what transforms simple chicken into Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole magic.
Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish
Spoon the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. Spreading it out evenly ensures that every portion will cook up hot and bubbly, with that perfect creamy filling in each bite.
Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
Crush your sleeve of buttery crackers into coarse crumbs (kids love helping with this step!) and toss them with melted butter in a small bowl. This simple topping is what gives the Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole its signature crisp, golden, and totally irresistible finish.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Scatter the buttery cracker mixture all over the top of your casserole, covering every bit evenly. Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. When the top is gloriously golden and the edges are bubbling, it’s ready!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once your casserole comes out of the oven, sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley. That little touch of green adds a pop of freshness and makes the dish look every bit as special as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
After baking, a final shower of chopped fresh parsley gives your Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole a bright, inviting finish. For an extra-special occasion, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a dusting of paprika will add color and flavor. You could also add a few sliced scallions for a gentle oniony bite.
Side Dishes
This rich, comforting casserole plays well with sides that offer contrast and balance. Try serving it with a simple green salad, garlic roasted broccoli, or some steamed green beans for freshness. A side of fluffy rice or mashed potatoes will make this even heartier, turning it into the ultimate family dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, spoon portions into individual ramekins for a fancy twist, or offer it buffet-style at a potluck so guests can help themselves. Top with crispy fried onions or roasted mushrooms for added flair. You could even stuff it into halved bell peppers before topping with crackers and baking for individual, edible casseroles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Simply let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—just as creamy and delicious as when freshly made.
Freezing
The Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy nights. Assemble the casserole and wrap it well (skip the cracker topping until you’re ready to bake), then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add crackers and butter, and bake as instructed.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave, or cover the whole casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through. If the topping needs a bit more crunch, uncover during the last few minutes. A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley makes leftovers feel brand new.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is actually an ideal shortcut—it’s flavorful, juicy, and shreds beautifully. Just be sure to remove any skin and bones before mixing it in.
Can I make this Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, it’s easy to make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free buttery crackers for the topping. Everything else in the casserole is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple swap!
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you aren’t a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute with ricotta for a smooth, creamy texture without losing richness. Greek yogurt is another good option for an extra tang.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Fold in a cup or two of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli before baking for extra nutrition and pops of color. Just make sure any veggies are cooked and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
How can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Simply assemble the Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole as directed (except the topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cracker topping right before it goes in the oven for the best crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy (and asks for seconds), this Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is your answer. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable—so give it a try, and get ready to add a new favorite comfort food to your regular dinner lineup!
Print
Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole that will surely become a family favorite. Loaded with tender chicken and a luxurious blend of cheeses, this comforting dish is a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella, cheddar, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add in the shredded chicken and mix well.
- Transfer to Dish: Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, toss the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For added flavor, use rotisserie chicken.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
