Sam Every now and then, you stumble across a recipe that checks all the boxes: quick, creamy, comforting, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously easy to throw together with what you already have in the fridge. This is that recipe.
Let me introduce you to my go-to million dollar chicken casserole—a rich and cheesy chicken bake that tastes like something you’d find in a restaurant but comes together with 10 minutes of prep and a single mixing bowl. It’s one of those dishes that people ask for after one bite. I’ve brought it to potlucks, holiday dinners, and weeknight family meals, and the response is always the same: “You have to give me that recipe.”
Think shredded chicken baked in a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and cream of chicken soup—all topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers. It’s the ultimate easy chicken casserole with Ritz crackers, and yes, it tastes like a million bucks.
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Serving Size: 6 generous portions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
What You’re Really Eating: Nutritional Snapshot
This million dollar chicken bake isn’t diet food—but it’s real, feel-good food that hits all the right notes when you need cozy and satisfying.
Calories (per serving): ~420
Protein: 26g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 450mg
Mood Boost Factor: High – creamy, cheesy comfort food that delivers on flavor and feel-good nostalgia.
Note: To make it a bit lighter, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, and use reduced-fat cream cheese or cheddar.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
What makes this creamy chicken casserole recipe so magical? It’s the simple, inexpensive ingredients that somehow become more than the sum of their parts. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Filling:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30)
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step: How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This casserole is everything you want when life feels busy, messy, or just a little cold outside. And it’s ready in just four simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the cream cheese is soft—it will mix more smoothly.
Fold in the shredded chicken until everything is fully coated. This is the heart of your million dollar chicken bake, and it should already smell incredible.
Step 3: Layer and Top
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your casserole dish.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery mixture over the top of the casserole. This topping adds crunch, saltiness, and that comforting golden finish everyone loves.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Why Is It Called “Million Dollar” Chicken Casserole?
You might be wondering: what makes this humble casserole deserve such a rich name?
Honestly, it’s all about the way it tastes. The blend of cream cheese and cheddar creates an ultra-luxurious texture. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a golden crunch. And the flavor? It’s pure comfort, with a touch of indulgence that feels more expensive than it is.
Much like the viral Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, this recipe has that irresistible combination of Southern charm, rich texture, and crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s become one of the best creamy chicken casserole recipes I’ve ever made—and that’s saying a lot.
Easy Variations and Add-Ins
Want to make this dish your own? Here are some ways to customize this million dollar chicken recipe without losing its magic:
- Use Turkey: Great for Thanksgiving leftovers—works just like chicken.
- Add Veggies: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or frozen peas for extra color and nutrients.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try mozzarella for more stretch or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Try a Different Topping: Swap out Ritz for crushed cornflakes or panko mixed with Parmesan.
- Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Nights
This easy creamy chicken casserole is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to work it into your schedule:
- Assemble Ahead: Prep the entire casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
- Freeze It: Freeze the unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, top with crackers, and bake as usual.
- Reheat Leftovers: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 325°F oven until bubbly.
What to Serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This dish is rich and filling, so I usually serve it with something green or something bright to balance it out:
- Veggies: Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a simple Caesar salad
- Carbs: Dinner rolls, garlic bread, or mashed potatoes
- Lighter Sides: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a citrusy fruit salad
Pro tip: serve this with a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea—it’s the kind of cozy Southern dinner that just works.
FAQs About This Million Dollar Chicken Recipe
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though I recommend rotisserie or home-cooked chicken for better texture. Canned works in a pinch if you’re short on time.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and a gluten-free condensed soup (or make your own from scratch). Easy swap!
Can I make this in a smaller pan?
Yes, just halve the ingredients and use an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. It will bake slightly faster—start checking at 20 minutes.
Can I turn this into a freezer meal?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole in a disposable foil tray (minus the topping), wrap tightly, and freeze. Add topping after thawing, then bake.
Why This Million Dollar Casserole Recipe is a Star
Just like its cousin, the Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole, this recipe is viral for good reason—it nails that elusive combo of rich, easy, nostalgic, and totally satisfying.
- It’s great for picky eaters and foodies alike.
- It’s freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved.
- And it’s got that crowd-pleasing, potluck-vanishing quality that keeps people coming back.
Whether you call it a million dollar chicken bake, a creamy chicken Ritz casserole, or just your new favorite comfort food, this one belongs in your permanent recipe rotation.
Final Thoughts From My Kitchen to Yours
At the end of a long day, nothing beats pulling a golden, bubbling pan of million dollar chicken casserole out of the oven. The smell of melted cheese, savory chicken, and buttery cracker topping is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen.
This dish feels like a warm hug in casserole form—and best of all, it’s easy, affordable, and nearly foolproof. Keep this recipe on hand for those nights when you want something that tastes like it took hours but really took just 10 minutes of effort.
Trust me: make it once, and it’ll be one of your most-requested dishes. Just like mine.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (Rich, Creamy, and Easy!)
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
For the Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed (about 30)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix the Creamy Filling:In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the cream cheese is soft—it will mix more smoothly. Fold in the shredded chicken until everything is fully coated. This is the heart of your million dollar chicken bake, and it should already smell incredible.
- Layer and Top:Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery mixture over the top of the casserole. This topping adds crunch, saltiness, and that comforting golden finish everyone loves.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cracker topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Made this recipe? Tag us when you share or save it to Pinterest. And don’t forget to leave a quick rating and comment—it really helps!
