If you re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe should be your go-to. I absolutely love how this dish combines creamy, cheesy layers with crispy bacon and buttery Ritz cracker topping-it s such a satisfying combination that never fails to impress. Whether it s a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this casserole always finds its way onto my table.
When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how simple it was to pull together and how rich the flavors were without being overwhelming. You ll find that the mix of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon gives it a luxurious taste that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make. Plus, it s one of those recipes that works so well for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Crunchy Combo: The blend of creamy cheese filling and crispy cracker topping creates the perfect texture contrast.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap in leftover chicken, use gluten-free crackers, or omit toppings for low-carb options.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and just add the topping before baking for stress-free mealtime.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one-it s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that s always requested again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe balance creamy, savory, and crunchy perfectly. I love that most are pantry staples or easy to find, and each plays a specific role in building those rich layers of flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Using fresh chicken gives a juicy, tender base; cubed pieces cook evenly in the casserole.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances savory notes and complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors in the creamy mixture.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness adds tang and richness that you’ll love.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creates a luscious, saucy binder that keeps everything moist.
- Cream cheese: Brings incredible creaminess and a velvety texture.
- Mayonnaise: Another layer of creaminess that helps keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon pieces add smoky crunch and salty flavor-splitting it between the mix and topping gives the best texture.
- Green onions: Provide a mild onion bite and fresh color, sprinkled inside and on top.
- Ritz crackers: The buttery cracker crumbs make a golden, crispy topping that s just irresistible.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the cracker crumbs to create that perfect golden crust.
Variations
One of the best things about the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak it depending on what s in my fridge or dietary needs, and the results are always delicious.
- Keto or Low-Carb: I sometimes skip the Ritz cracker topping to keep it low-carb, and it still turns out creamy and flavorful.
- Gluten-Free: Switching out regular crackers for gluten-free kind works great-just check your soup label to ensure it s gluten-free too.
- Leftover Chicken: When I have rotisserie chicken on hand, I use that for a quicker bake time and even more flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms can add color and nutrition if you re feeling fancy.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cubing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a large mixing bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning really helps the chicken absorb flavor as it bakes. Give everything a good stir to coat those pieces evenly-which I found helps keep every bite tasty.
Step 2: Mix in Cheeses, Soup, Mayo, and Bacon
Next, add your sharp cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, half of the cooked bacon bits, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir everything until it s well combined and creamy. This mixture sometimes looks thick, but it melts down beautifully in the oven, binding all those flavors together.
Step 3: Assemble and Top
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this buttery crumbs mixture evenly over the chicken layer. This topping is what gives the recipe its million dollar crunch, so don t skip it!
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Bake the casserole at 350°F for 45 to 55 minutes until it s bubbly and the cracker topping turns golden brown. Once out of the oven, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before sprinkling the remaining bacon and green onions on top. This last touch adds fresh flavor and a beautiful presentation. Trust me, this resting time makes slicing easier and flavors meld wonderfully.
Pro Tips for Making Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps it blend smoothly without lumps, giving your casserole a silky texture.
- Don t Skip Resting Time: Letting the casserole cool after baking helps it set and makes serving neater.
- Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Crispy bacon holds its texture better and provides that wonderful crunch contrast.
- Crush Crackers Finely: Crushing Ritz crackers evenly ensures a consistent, golden crust-large chunks may burn.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh green onions on top right before serving-they add brightness and a subtle crunch to each cheesy, savory bite. A handful of extra crisp bacon bits never hurts either if you want to amp up flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans, or even a side of garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy goodness. Sometimes I serve it with crusty bread, too, because who doesn t want to scoop every last bit?
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or potlucks, I ve made individual casseroles in ramekins for a fancy touch. Garnishing with a sprig of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color. Serving it buffet-style with all toppings on the side lets guests customize their own plate, which always gets rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Whenever I have leftovers, I cover them tightly and store in an airtight container in the fridge-this casserole keeps really well for 3-4 days without losing that creamy texture. It s perfect for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
I ve frozen this casserole without the cracker topping wrapped in plastic and foil, and it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you re ready to bake, just thaw overnight in the fridge and add the buttery cracker crumb topping fresh before baking. This way, your topping stays crisp and fresh instead of soggy.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works well too-heat in 1-2 minute increments to avoid drying it out. Adding a little extra cheese or bacon on top before reheating can freshen it up nicely.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Yes! If using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to thaw them completely before cubing and mixing. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
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Is there a vegetarian version of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe?
You can create a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken for hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets or chickpeas. Use vegetable cream soup instead of cream of chicken and omit bacon or replace with vegetarian bacon alternatives for flavor.
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How do I prevent the cracker topping from burning?
Mixing the cracker crumbs well with melted butter helps them brown evenly. Also, placing the casserole in the center of the oven and keeping an eye on it in the last 10 minutes can prevent burning. If it starts browning too fast, loosely tent with foil.
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Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz and check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. Most other ingredients in the casserole are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it s both comforting and crowd-pleasing-a recipe I reach for when I want to impress without stress. I hope you ll try it and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed goodness as much as my family and I do. Once you taste it, I bet it ll become a staple in your home too!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish featuring tender cubed chicken breasts mixed with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and a savory blend of spices. Topped with a buttered Ritz cracker crumb mixture and crispy bacon, this comforting casserole is baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh green onions. Perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or freezer-friendly comfort food.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 5 slices bacon, cooked until crispy, chopped (half of the bacon)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (half of the green onions)
Topping
- 30 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 5 slices bacon, cooked until crispy, chopped (remaining half)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (remaining half)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken breasts into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then toss carefully to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
- Mix the Casserole Base: To the seasoned chicken, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, room temperature cream cheese, mayonnaise, half of the chopped crispy bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble in Dish: Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly into a single layer for uniform baking.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the chicken casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping has turned golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon and green onions over the top for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chicken Options: This recipe works best with raw, cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts. You can substitute with leftover cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken, in which case reduce baking time to about 30 minutes.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole base and refrigerate for the same or next day, but wait to add the cracker topping until just before baking. This makes a convenient make-ahead meal to share.
- Freezer Instructions: Freeze the assembled casserole without the cracker topping, tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Add the cracker topping after thawing and bake as directed.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout, or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes as needed.
- Dietary Modifications: To make a keto or low-carb version, omit the Ritz cracker topping. For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead and verify that the condensed soup is gluten-free.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: thirty-eight grams
- Cholesterol: 125mg
