Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (Rich!)

This casserole gets its name because it tastes like a million bucks! It’s a rich, creamy, and decadent chicken bake that is surprisingly easy to make. Tender shredded chicken is folded into a savory sauce made of cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. It’s then topped with a buttery, crispy crust of crushed Ritz crackers. It’s the ultimate comfort food—perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a warm hug in meal form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Creamiest Filling

This recipe doesn’t skimp on richness. The combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a tangy, velvety sauce that keeps the chicken incredibly moist. Unlike dry casseroles, this one stays luscious even after baking. It’s savory, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

The Buttery Ritz Topping

The signature of the “Million Dollar” casserole is the crust. Crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) mixed with melted butter create a golden, crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the soft filling. It’s a texture combination that is hard to stop eating.

Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions

Essential Ingredients

Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The savory base.
Cream Cheese: Softened, for richness.
Cottage Cheese: Adds protein and texture (don’t worry, it melts into the sauce!).
Sour Cream: Adds tang.
Ritz Crackers: For the buttery topping.
Butter: Melted, to bind the crumbs.

Smart Substitutions

You can substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture. Greek yogurt can swap in for sour cream to lighten it slightly. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or celery works too. For a little color and crunch, you can add chopped celery or onion to the chicken mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Phase

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shred the cooked chicken. Crush the crackers (leave them a little chunky).

Cooking Phase

In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, and garlic powder until well combined.
Fold in the shredded chicken.
Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 baking dish.
In a small bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the melted butter.
Sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until the filling is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Technique Secrets

Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature before mixing, or you’ll have lumps. The cottage cheese adds a nice texture, but if you have picky eaters who hate the “curds,” you can blend the cottage cheese first until smooth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If the top is browning too quickly before the center is hot, tent foil loosely over the dish for the last 10 minutes. Don’t use non-fat dairy products; they can separate and make the sauce watery. Stick to full-fat or reduced-fat for the best stability.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	500 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	32g

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Presentation & Plating

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley to break up the beige color.

Pairing Suggestions

Green beans or roasted broccoli are essential to balance the richness of this dish. If you enjoy creamy comfort foods, you might also like our Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Comfort) for a similar flavor profile in soup form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1? Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble the filling in the dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping right before baking so it doesn’t get soggy.

Q2? Can I freeze it?
Freeze the filling in the dish (without crackers). Thaw overnight, add crackers, and bake.

Q3? Can I use turkey?
Yes, it’s a delicious way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole lives up to its name. It’s rich, buttery, and incredibly comforting—a true family feast.