This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole truly lives up to its name. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist. With its comforting blend of shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy cheeses, and a buttery cracker topping, this casserole is a hit for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. The addition of cottage cheese creates a luxurious texture, while the quick prep time makes it an easy choice for busy cooks.
Easy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy masterpiece that comes together in under an hour. It’s a versatile dish—feel free to add steamed broccoli, peas, or any of your favorite vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or over noodles for a complete meal.
Why Our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Is the Best
Our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole takes the concept of comfort food to the next level. With a blend of creamy cheeses, seasoned chicken, and a crunchy cracker topping, every bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients Notes for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create the perfect casserole:
For the Filling:
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup – Adds a creamy, savory base to the casserole.
- ½ cup cottage cheese – Provides a creamy texture and subtle tanginess.
- ½ cup sour cream – Adds richness and a slight tang.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature) – Makes the filling ultra-creamy and decadent.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Creole seasoning – Adds a touch of spice and bold flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the savory flavor of the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided – Adds a rich, aromatic note to both the filling and the topping.
- 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken – The ultimate time-saver, adding tender and flavorful chicken to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Brightens the filling with a fresh, herbal note.
For the Topping:
- 30 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed – Creates a crunchy, buttery topping.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Helps the cracker topping turn golden brown and crispy.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds a gooey, cheesy layer to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon sliced scallions – Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor for garnish.
Ingredient Substitution Tip: Use lemon pepper, garlic-herb, or mojo-style rotisserie chicken to change up the flavor. You can also swap the mozzarella with cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
To make this indulgent dish, you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- 11×7-inch or 9-inch square baking dish
- Foil-lined baking sheet (to catch any bubbling)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This casserole comes together easily in just a few steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil to catch any bubbling from the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 can cream of chicken soup, ½ cup cottage cheese, ½ cup sour cream, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1 ½ teaspoons Creole seasoning, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until smooth and well blended.
Fold in the 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley until evenly coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
In another medium bowl, combine 30 crushed buttery crackers, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into an 11×7-inch or 9-inch square baking dish.
Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture, then top with the cracker crumb mixture.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole dish on the prepared foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with 1 teaspoon sliced scallions, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
How To Store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- In the freezer: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Variations
This casserole is highly customizable—try these fun variations:
- Vegetable-Packed Casserole: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or diced carrots for a veggie boost.
- Spicy Casserole: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the crackers with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly topping.
- Cheesy Twist: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or add Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.
- Herbaceous Upgrade: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for a fragrant herb twist.
What To Serve With Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Pair this rich, creamy casserole with lighter sides for a balanced meal:
- Simple green salad: A fresh, crisp salad complements the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for added nutrients.
- Buttery noodles: For a heartier meal, serve the casserole over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy filling.
Top Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds depth of flavor.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Keep the Crackers Crunchy: Don’t assemble the casserole too far in advance to prevent the crackers from getting soggy.
- Customize the Seasoning: Adjust the Creole seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to suit your taste.
- Watch for Bubbling: Place the casserole on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any bubbling over.
Helpful Notes
- For a creamier casserole, add a splash of chicken broth to the filling.
- If you’re short on time, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it the next day.
- Leftovers make excellent sandwich or wrap fillings!
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme brings a pop of freshness to creamy dishes.
- Ree Drummond: “Crushed buttery crackers make the best topping—they add crunch and a salty, buttery flavor.”
- Martha Stewart: “To avoid uneven baking, spread the filling evenly in the dish before adding the toppings.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just shred or chop the cooked chicken before mixing it into the filling.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
4. Can I freeze the casserole after baking?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
5. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the crackers with gluten-free crackers and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
Enjoy this creamy, decadent Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, and savor every rich and satisfying bite!
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- – 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- – ½ cup cottage cheese
- – ½ cup sour cream
- – 4 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- – 1 ½ teaspoons Creole seasoning
- – ½ teaspoon onion powder
- – 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- – 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Topping:
- – 30 buttery round crackers e.g., Ritz, crushed
- – 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- – 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- – 1 teaspoon sliced scallions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil to catch any bubbling over.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a medium bowl, stir together cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, Creole seasoning, onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until smooth. Fold in the shredded chicken and parsley until evenly combined.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate medium bowl, mix crushed crackers, melted butter, and remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- Assemble: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into an 11×7-inch or 9-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then evenly spread the cracker mixture over the cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on the prepared foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced scallions, if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: This dish can be frozen for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the instructions.
- Flavor Variations: Use different types of rotisserie chicken, like lemon pepper or garlic, to change up the flavor.
- Cracker Alternatives: Any crisp butter cracker can be used for the topping.
