Save Pin
When my evenings get packed, I always turn to Million Dollar Chicken Casserole because it's rich, filling, and comes together without much fuss. Creamy chicken mingles with gooey cheese under a crunchy buttery cracker layer that gets all golden in the oven. It's a meal that just feels inviting and keeps everyone happy after a long day.
This dinner first happened when a cold night caught me with a rotisserie chicken staring at me from the fridge. My crew polished off every last bite. Now whenever friends swing by, I double the batch.
Decadent Ingredients
- Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch—try center cut and bake it up for best results.
- Chopped chives: Sprinkle a fresh pop of green on top—slice them right before serving to keep them bright.
- Salt and pepper: Give the final flavor tweak—taste and adjust if you feel like it.
- Unsalted butter: Melted right into the cracker topping to get it nice and crisp—don't skip the real stuff.
- Ritz crackers: Smash 'em for a fast topping with loads of crunch—crush fresh for the best bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Pulls apart gooey and stretchy—use whole milk mozzarella if you can.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Bold, sharp flavor—grab a block and shred yourself for max meltiness.
- Mayonnaise: Keeps everything extra creamy—real mayo is best.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and makes it richer—full fat always tastes better.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: The classic creamy start—go low sodium if you want it less salty.
- Cooked chicken: Shred or cube it up for texture—rotisserie chicken is so juicy here.
Effortless Step-by-Step
- Garnish and Serve:
- Take out of the oven, toss on extra bacon bits and some chives. Give it a few minutes to rest before scooping so the cheesiness sets up nicely.
- Crisp Up the Bacon:
- Pop your bacon on a tray and bake it at 375 degrees for about twenty minutes till crisp. Let it cool, then break it up to sprinkle on top.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Slide the dish in the oven, uncovered. Let it go for twenty five to thirty minutes. You'll know it's ready when the topping is crispy and everything's bubbling at the edges.
- Top the Casserole:
- Spread your buttery cracker mix right to the edges so no bite misses that crunch.
- Make the Cracker Topping:
- In another bowl, toss your Ritz crumbs with the melted butter so every bit gets coated and shiny.
- Assemble in the Baking Dish:
- Spoon the chicken filling into the greased dish, leveling it out well so it's evenly moist all the way through.
- Mix the Base:
- In a big bowl, stir up chicken, soup, mayo, sour cream, both cheeses, and almost all the bacon. Give it a good mix with a sprinkle of salt and pepper till it's all blended and smooth.
- Preheat and Prep:
- Turn your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and give a 9x13 inch dish a good layer of nonstick spray so nothing gets stuck.
Save Pin
The part on top—the cracker layer—always wins for me. When I was little, grandma let me smash the crackers and stir in the butter. To this day, that's the job I hope for, since the crispy corners are always my favorite bites as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Handy Storage Ideas
Let leftovers cool down, then cover snug and pop in the fridge for up to four days. I swear by the oven for reheating to keep that buttery crunch. You can also tuck single servings in foil and freeze them for super easy lunches later on.
Smart Swap Options
Turkey works just as well if that's what you've got after the holidays. Lighten things up with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you're out of Ritz, use panko or cornflakes to get that same golden crunch.
Tasty Pairings
Serve a crisp salad with bright lemony dressing next to your casserole for something fresh, or steamed green beans if that's your thing. Craving some heat? Dash on hot sauce and you'll get a little southern flair—perfect for chilly nights.
Save Pin
Fun Backstory
This classic American comfort food gets its roots from those retro creamy bakes and potluck favorites. People call it million dollar just because it's so over-the-top rich, thanks to double cheese and bacon. Dishes like this have brought families together for generations.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different kind of chicken?
Yep, just grab cooked chicken breasts or thighs and shred or dice them. Rotisserie chicken makes things even easier.
- → Could I use other cheeses instead?
For sure! Swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or whatever cheese you love. Mix and match to fit your mood.
- → What's the trick to a crunchy topping?
Stir melted butter into smashed Ritz crackers, spread over the top, then bake so it all gets crisp and golden.
- → Can I get this ready the day before?
Absolutely. Build the dish but wait to add the cracker top until it's almost time to cook, then chill in the fridge overnight.
- → How should I warm up leftovers?
Pop them back in the oven or the microwave until they're hot. Oven's best if you want to keep that crunchy finish.
- → What could I serve with it?
It goes great with roasted veggies, tossed salad, or some warm bread—whatever feels easy and comforting.