This creamy, easy chicken casserole heats up fast and feeds a small family.
introduction
This recipe is simple and rich. It uses cooked chicken, cream soup, sour cream, and a crunchy cracker topping. It cooks in one pan and tastes like a warm, cheesy meal. For another page about this dish, see CowIron’s Million Dollar Chicken Casserole page.
why make this recipe
Make this when you want a fast, comforting dinner. It uses few pantry items and little prep. Kids and adults like the creamy inside and the crunchy top. If you want a lower-carb idea that is still creamy, try the creamy low-carb chicken casserole for a swap.
how to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This dish comes together in a bowl and finishes in the oven. Mix the filling, add the cracker topping, and bake until golden.
Ingredients :
2 cups shredded chicken, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup crushed crackers (e.g., Ritz), 2 tablespoons butter, melted, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and the remaining cheddar cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
how to serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Serve warm right from the oven. It goes well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or rice. For a different side idea, see a savory option like French onion chicken orzo casserole.
how to store Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Let the casserole cool to room temperature. Cover tightly and keep in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave in a dish-safe bowl until warm.
tips to make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Press the cracker topping down gently so it stays in place.
- If the topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil and finish baking.
- Taste and add salt last if your soup is salty.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked broccoli or peas for extra veg.
- Use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Swap crushed crackers for panko or crushed cornflakes for a new crunch.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits for smoky taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh-cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Shred leftover roast or poached chicken and use it.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and cover, then refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
Q: Is there a freezer option?
A: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I make it gluten free?
A: Use gluten-free crackers or crumbs and check that the soup is gluten free.
Conclusion
You can compare this recipe to a popular version on Plain Chicken’s Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for small differences in topping and seasoning. For many user reviews and a slightly different method, see the AllRecipes Million Dollar Chicken Casserole page. For a home-cook blog take with photos and notes, read Meatloaf and Melodrama’s Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Filling
- 2 cups shredded chicken Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Divided for topping.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed crackers (e.g., Ritz) Can substitute with panko or cornflakes.
- 2 tablespoons butter Melted.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and the remaining cheddar cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
