Let’s be honest: when life gets busy, nothing beats a good chicken casserole. It’s creamy, cozy, and just the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table feel instantly cared for. And this recipe? Well, it’s not called Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for nothing. One bite, and you’ll understand—it’s rich, flavorful, and tastes like something you’d happily pay for at a restaurant (but thankfully, you don’t have to).
If you’re looking for an easy family dinner that combines tender chicken with a decadent, creamy casserole filling and a buttery cracker topping, this is it. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or you’re feeding a crowd, this baked wonder guarantees clean plates and happy hearts.
And the best part? It only takes 10 minutes to prep. That means more time with your loved ones and less time stressing over what’s for dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole
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Ultra-creamy filling made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese.
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A buttery Ritz cracker topping that bakes up golden and irresistible.
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Quick prep, just 40 minutes from start to finish.
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Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
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Pure, unapologetic comfort food that never disappoints.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken. A decadent filling of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese is topped with a buttery cracker crust that bakes golden and crisp. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknights, this casserole guarantees second helpings and happy hearts.
Ingredients
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1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
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½ cup (120 g) sour cream
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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3 cups (about 450 g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie works well)
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2 green onions, chopped
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2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 sleeve buttery round crackers (about 30 Ritz crackers), crushed
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4 Tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
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½ tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ tsp dried)
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Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
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In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
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Fold in shredded chicken, green onions, parsley, and thyme. Spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until topping is golden and filling is bubbly.
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Serve hot with rice, pasta, or egg noodles.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
For extra crunch, mix Parmesan into the cracker topping.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
If freezing, leave topping off and add it fresh when baking.
Pair with roasted veggies or a salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
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½ cup (120 g) sour cream
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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3 cups (about 450 g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
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2 green onions, chopped
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2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 sleeve buttery round crackers (about 30 Ritz crackers), crushed
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4 Tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
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½ tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ tsp dried)
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Cooked white rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
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In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
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Fold in shredded chicken, green onions, parsley, and thyme. Stir well.
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Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
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Serve warm with white rice, pasta, or egg noodles.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results
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Use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds extra flavor.
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Make it ahead. Assemble the casserole in the morning, refrigerate, then bake before dinner.
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Crispy topping hack. Want an even crunchier topping? Mix in a little grated Parmesan with the crackers.
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Don’t skip the fresh herbs. Parsley and thyme brighten up the richness beautifully.
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Serving idea: This is one of those casseroles that pairs well with something light and green—think roasted broccoli or a simple side salad.
And remember, casseroles aren’t about perfection. If the filling looks a little messy before baking, don’t worry—the oven transforms it into bubbly, golden goodness.
A Little Story Behind This Recipe
This chicken casserole reminds me of the first time I hosted a potluck dinner for friends. I was determined to make something hearty but simple, and I stumbled on a version of this recipe. After pulling it from the oven—bubbling, golden, smelling like pure heaven—I placed it on the table. Within 15 minutes, it was gone. Not a single crumb of buttery topping left behind.
My friends demanded the recipe (always the best compliment), and it quickly became my signature dish for gatherings. Now, it’s the casserole I turn to for everything: weeknight dinners, church events, or when I just want a guaranteed win with my family.
It’s not just a meal—it’s a dish that sparks smiles, second helpings, and maybe even some friendly fights over the last scoop.
What to Serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This dish is hearty enough to shine solo, but adding sides makes it a full feast:
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White rice, pasta, or egg noodles—perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
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Steamed or roasted veggies—green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are great choices.
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Simple side salad with a light vinaigrette for freshness.
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Warm dinner rolls for extra dipping.
If you’re hosting, add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling cider—it pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.
How to Store Your Leftovers
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Pro tip: If freezing, leave the cracker topping off and add it fresh before baking to keep it crispy.
FAQs About Chicken Casserole
Can I make this without cottage cheese?
Yes—just replace it with more sour cream or ricotta for a slightly different texture.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works—breast, thighs, or even leftover turkey.
Can I prep this baked chicken casserole ahead?
Yes, assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What makes this “million-dollar chicken”?
It’s the combination of rich cheeses, creamy filling, and buttery cracker topping—it tastes luxuriously good without costing a fortune.
Is this dish comfort food or dinner-party worthy?
Both! It’s humble enough for weeknights but delicious enough to serve to guests.
Bring It All Together
At its heart, this chicken casserole is about more than just filling bellies—it’s about gathering people around the table, sharing laughs, and dishing out something that tastes like love in a pan. With its creamy layers, golden topping, and the kind of flavor that keeps people going back for seconds, it’s truly worthy of the name Million Dollar Chicken Casserole.
So the next time you’re craving cozy comfort food or need a fuss-free dish to feed a crowd, pull out this recipe. It’s a guaranteed win that might just earn you the title of “best cook in the family.”
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