Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken is perfect) (Using rotisserie chicken saves time and effort.); 8 oz Cream cheese, softened (Soften before mixing; microwave in short intervals if needed.); 1 cup Sour cream; 1 cup Cottage cheese or ricotta (Either can work, choose according to preference.); 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (Reserve a bit for topping.); 1 tsp Garlic powder; 1 tsp Onion powder; to taste Salt and pepper; 1 cup Crushed buttery crackers or panko (Panko works well for a gluten-free option.); 4 tbsp Melted butter

MILLION DOLLAR CHICKEN CASSEROLE is what I make when I need dinner to feel like a warm hug but I do not have the energy for anything fussy. You know those nights when everyone is hungry, the sink is already full, and you just want a dish that cannot fail. This is that recipe for me. It is creamy, cheesy, and somehow tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. If you have cooked chicken hanging out in the fridge, you are already halfway there.

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How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

What you will need

I like this version because the ingredients are basic and the steps are simple. Here is the lineup I use most often:

Cooked chicken shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken is perfect)
Cream cheese softened
Sour cream
Cottage cheese or ricotta (either one works)
Shredded cheddar (or a blend)
Garlic powder and onion powder
Salt and pepper
Crushed buttery crackers or panko for the topping
Melted butter

If you are in a low carb phase, you might also like this creamy low carb chicken casserole for another cozy option with a similar vibe.

Step by step, the easy way

Preheat your oven to 350 F. Lightly grease a baking dish. I usually use a 9 by 13 when feeding my crew, but an 8 by 8 works if you are making a smaller batch.

In a big bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese until it looks mostly smooth. It does not have to be perfect, just well combined. Stir in your seasonings, then fold in the chicken and most of the shredded cheddar. Save a little cheese for the top because that golden layer is part of the magic.

Spread the chicken mixture into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over it.

For the topping, stir crushed crackers with melted butter, then scatter that evenly over the casserole. Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top looks crisp and lightly browned. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. That rest time helps it set so it is creamy, not runny.

This is also a great way to use leftovers from something like 30 minute Instant Pot BBQ pulled chicken. Just keep in mind BBQ flavor will change the taste, but it is honestly delicious if you like that sweet smoky thing.

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Tips and Notes

I have made this so many times that I have a few little tricks that save the day.

Use softened cream cheese. If you forget to take it out early, microwave it for about 10 to 15 seconds at a time until it is soft enough to mix. Do not melt it into soup, just soften.

Rotisserie chicken is your best friend. It keeps the whole plan simple, and it is already seasoned. If you cook your own chicken, don’t overdo it. Dry chicken makes the whole casserole feel heavier.

Cottage cheese vs ricotta. Cottage cheese gives you that classic tang and it melts into the sauce more than you would think. Ricotta is a bit milder and smoother. Pick what you like, or use what you have.

Do not skip the topping. That crunchy top is what makes the creamy filling feel balanced. If crackers are not your thing, panko works great. You can even add a spoonful of parmesan to the crumbs for extra flavor.

Make it ahead. You can assemble the whole dish, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. I like to wait and add the cracker topping right before baking so it stays crisp.

If you are a garlic lover and want a different twist later, bookmark this creamy keto garlic mushroom chicken casserole. It hits the same comfort button in a totally different way.

“I made this for my picky family and everyone cleaned their plates. My husband asked if we could add it to the regular rotation, which basically never happens.”

Serving Suggestions

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MILLION DOLLAR CHICKEN CASSEROLE is rich, so I usually keep the sides simple and fresh. Here are my go to pairings when I want the plate to feel complete.

Big green salad with a tangy dressing to cut the creaminess
Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus
Simple fruit on the side if you have kids who like a sweet bite
Rice or egg noodles if you want to stretch it for extra hungry people

If you are in the mood for a different chicken comfort dinner next week, this crock pot chicken rice casserole is another easy one that feels like a full meal in one scoop.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Let’s be real, this is not diet food, but it is the kind of dinner that actually satisfies you. The exact nutrition depends on what brands you use and how much topping you add, so I always suggest plugging your ingredients into your preferred calculator for the most accurate numbers.

That said, here is a general idea for one serving when the casserole is cut into 8 portions.

In most typical versions, you can expect a meal that is high in protein from the chicken and dairy, and higher in fat because of the creamy base and cheese. If you want to lighten it up a bit, you can use reduced fat cream cheese and sour cream, and go a little lighter on the cracker topping. The flavor will still be there, I promise.

Easy Weeknight Dinner

This is where MILLION DOLLAR CHICKEN CASSEROLE really shines. It is the kind of dish that makes a weeknight feel like you did something special, even if you were basically on autopilot.

Here is why I keep coming back to it:

It is fast. If your chicken is already cooked, you are mostly just mixing and baking.

It reheats well. The leftovers are honestly great the next day. I warm mine in the oven or air fryer so the top stays a little crisp.

It is freezer friendly. Freeze it before baking, tightly wrapped. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake. Add fresh topping if you want it extra crunchy.

And if you want a quick side to go with it on a busy night, I love simple chicken and veggie ideas like 10 minute air fryer chicken sausage and veggies when I need something fast and low effort.

Common Questions

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, you can. I prefer rotisserie or leftover baked chicken for texture, but canned chicken works in a pinch. Just drain it well and break it up so it mixes evenly.

How do I keep it from getting watery?

Use full fat dairy if you can, and avoid adding extra liquid. Also let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets up before serving.

What is the best topping if I do not want crackers?

Panko is the easiest swap. You can also use crushed pork rinds for a low carb crunch, or simply top with extra cheese and broil for a minute at the end.

Can I add veggies?

Totally. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, and peas all work. If using frozen veggies, thaw and squeeze out extra moisture first.

How long will leftovers last?

In a sealed container in the fridge, about 3 to 4 days. Reheat until hot all the way through.

A cozy wrap up

If you need a reliable comfort meal, MILLION DOLLAR CHICKEN CASSEROLE is one of those recipes that earns its spot in your dinner rotation. It is creamy, filling, and simple enough for a random Tuesday, but still feels like a treat. If you want to compare versions, I found it helpful to look at this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole and also the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe – Allrecipes for extra ideas. Now promise me you will let it rest a few minutes before digging in, then come back and tell me what you served it with.