Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded or diced; 1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz); 1 cup Sour Cream; 1/2 cup Mayonnaise; 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese; 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers, crushed; 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted; 5-6 slices Bacon; 1 tsp Salt; 1/8 tsp Pepper; Chopped Chives for garnish

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Creamy, comforting, and downright addictive, Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that shows up on weekday dinner tables and holiday potlucks for good reason. Imagine juicy shredded chicken wrapped in a velvety sauce, topped with a buttery cracker crust and crispy bacon — pure comfort in every spoonful. Fun fact: casseroles like this became popular in mid-century America because they were easy to stretch into family-sized meals and reheat beautifully the next day. If you love quick, crowd-pleasing dinners, this one delivers.

This recipe is special because it takes simple pantry ingredients and turns them into something luxurious without fuss. It’s speedy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights. If you enjoyed our stuffed pasta recipes, you’ll find this casserole just as satisfying and much quicker to pull together — try comparing it to my stuffed shells for another comforting option at this recipe. Ready to make dinner effortless and delicious? Let’s get cooking.

What is Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

What’s in a name? Why “Million Dollar”? Is there really gold in the topping? Not quite — but the rich, creamy flavors make it feel decadently valuable. Wondering how a humble casserole earns such a grand title? Maybe it’s the jackpot of textures: creamy interior, melty cheeses, and a crunchy cracker crown. Or maybe someone decided that the easiest route to a full table is delicious food, because we all know that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Think of it as comfort food with a wink. Give it a try and see why families keep coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This

Luxurious texture: The creamy mixture of cream of chicken, sour cream, mayo, and cheeses creates a rich, silky base that feels indulgent without complicated technique.
Budget-friendly and filling: Made with pantry staples and cooked chicken, this casserole stretches to feed a crowd for far less than dining out.
Flavor powerhouses: The crunchy Ritz topping, melted cheddar and mozzarella, and smoky bacon create layers of flavor and texture that make every bite interesting.

Compared to other casserole-style favorites, this one balances creaminess and crunch especially well — if you liked the cheesy baked pasta options, you’ll appreciate how this recipe brings similar comfort with minimal effort. Go on, make it tonight.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy, delicious, and satisfying. Preparation is simple: mix, top, and bake. The creamy sauce keeps the chicken juicy, while the buttery cracker topping adds a crisp finish. Total time is approximately 15 minutes active prep and 25 to 30 minutes baking time, plus a bit for pre-baking bacon if you choose that method.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
5-6 slices of bacon
1 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Chopped chives for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so the casserole doesn’t stick.
If your chicken isn’t cooked, poach or roast until done, then shred or dice to measure 3 cups.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz), sour cream (1 cup), mayonnaise (1/2 cup), shredded cheddar (1 cup), shredded mozzarella (1 cup), and crumbled bacon (reserve a little bacon for garnish if you like). Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
Mix until the filling is creamy and well blended, making sure cheese is evenly distributed for consistent melty pockets.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Place the Ritz crackers in a bowl and crush them finely; pour in 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to form a crunchy topping.
Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
For the bacon, bake the strips separately at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until well done and golden brown. Crumble and sprinkle over the casserole when it comes out of the oven.
Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with crumbled bacon and sliced chives, let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

What to Serve With

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness
Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for a fresh, bright side
Garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to make it extra hearty
Fresh dinner rolls or crusty bread to scoop up every creamy bite
A light white wine or iced tea for a balanced, satisfying meal

Top Tips for Perfecting

Ingredient substitutions: Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy, lower-fat option. Use plain breadcrumbs if you don’t have Ritz crackers — add a tablespoon of melted butter for crispness.
Cheese options: Sharp cheddar adds more bite; Monterey Jack melts beautifully if you prefer a creamier texture.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra 5–10 minutes to baking time if cold from the fridge.
Avoid soggy topping: Make sure cracker crumbs are well coated with butter so they crisp instead of soaking into the filling.
Even baking: Let the casserole sit at room temperature for 10 minutes if it’s straight from the fridge before baking to ensure even heating.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze fully cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through. For the best texture, reheat a whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, covering loosely with foil at first, then uncovering to re-crisp the topping in the last 5 minutes.
Shelf life details: Once reheated, do not refreeze. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 days for best quality.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds excellent flavor. Use about 3 cups shredded.

Can I make this casserole without bacon?
Absolutely. The bacon adds smokiness, but the dish is tasty without it. Consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a similar flavor note.

Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes. Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes, and use gluten-free condensed soup if needed.

Can I double the recipe?
You can double the filling, but use two baking dishes or a larger pan and adjust baking time until bubbly throughout (you may need an extra 10–15 minutes).

How can I make this lighter?
Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat mayonnaise and cheese. You can also reduce the cracker topping or use a lighter crumb alternative.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes. Fold in cooked peas, chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is comfort food made simple — creamy, cheesy, and loved by families. It’s easy to assemble, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. If you want to explore an original version or see another take on this classic, check out the inspiration behind this dish at Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Plain Chicken. Try it tonight and share the results with your family — delicious dinners are worth celebrating.