Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe

Learn how to make this homemade Million Dollar Chicken Casserole - the best creamy, cheesy comfort food that's worth every calorie! This easy baking recipe combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and a crispy cracker topping for a foolproof family dinner that tastes like it cost a fortune but is simple to prepare.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Serves:
8 servings
An overhead shot of the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole fresh from the oven, with golden-brown crispy topping glistening under soft natural light. A generous portion has been scooped out, revealing the creamy, cheesy layers beneath with tender pieces of chicken peeking through. The casserole is photographed in a rustic ceramic baking dish placed on a weathered wooden board, garnished with fresh chives sprinkled across the top. Steam gently rises from the dish, catching the warm light and highlighting the contrast between the crunchy topping and the luscious, velvety interior. A serving spoon rests nearby, ready to dish up this comforting meal.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">750g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250g cream cheese, softened</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml sour cream</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">400g condensed cream of chicken soup (2 small cans)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix (about 30g)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cheddar cheese, grated</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">100g butter crackers (like Ritz), crushed</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g butter, melted</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh chives for garnish (optional)</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">23cm x 33cm (9x13-inch) baking dish</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large mixing bowl</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Electric mixer (optional)</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 23cm x 33cm (9x13-inch) baking dish. This ensures your casserole won't stick to the dish and makes serving much easier. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat until smooth and well-combined - this creates the luxuriously creamy base for your casserole. Softened cream cheese incorporates much better than cold, so ensure it's at room temperature for the smoothest result. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until completely combined into a smooth, uniform sauce. The ranch seasoning adds that "million dollar" flavor that makes this casserole exceptional. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the crumbled bacon until evenly coated in the creamy mixture. Your chicken should be completely coated in the sauce - this ensures moisture and flavor in every bite. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Using a spatula, smooth the top to create an even surface for your cheese and cracker topping. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Evenly sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. The cheese creates a delicious middle layer between the creamy chicken and crispy topping. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers, melted butter, and remaining bacon crumbles. The butter will coat each cracker crumb, helping them to toast to a perfect golden color rather than burn. Mix until the crackers are evenly moistened with butter. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the cheese layer, creating a complete blanket of topping. This will become your irresistibly crispy crown on the casserole. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You'll know it's ready when you can see active bubbling around the sides and the aroma fills your kitchen. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the layers to set slightly, making serving neater and prevents burning your mouth on the molten interior. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4> Garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired, and serve warm. This casserole reheats beautifully and can even be assembled a day ahead and baked when needed - simply add a few extra minutes to your baking time if cooking from refrigerated. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

This indulgent casserole features shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, condensed chicken soup, ranch seasoning, bacon, cheddar cheese, and butter crackers for the crispy topping. Garlic and onion powder enhance the flavour profile.

How to cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole at home?

Learn how to cook Million Dollar Chicken Casserole by combining a creamy mixture of softened cream cheese, sour cream, condensed soup and seasonings with shredded chicken. Layer this mixture in a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese and a buttery cracker-bacon mixture, then bake at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Can I prepare this cheesy chicken casserole ahead of time?

Yes! This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

What sides pair well with a creamy chicken and bacon casserole?

Balance the richness with simple sides like steamed green vegetables (broccoli or green beans), a crisp garden salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a complete comfort meal, serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the creamy sauce.

How can I make this casserole healthier without sacrificing flavour?

Use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, low-sodium soup, and turkey bacon. Increase the protein content with extra chicken or add vegetables like frozen peas, spinach, or broccoli. The cracker topping can be reduced or partially substituted with whole wheat breadcrumbs.

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This ensures your casserole won't stick to the dish and makes serving much easier." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cream base", "text": "In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat until smooth and well-combined - this creates the luxuriously creamy base for your casserole. Softened cream cheese incorporates much better than cold, so ensure it's at room temperature for the smoothest result." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix sauce", "text": "Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until completely combined into a smooth, uniform sauce. The ranch seasoning adds that \"million dollar\" flavor that makes this casserole exceptional." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add chicken", "text": "Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the crumbled bacon until evenly coated in the creamy mixture. Your chicken should be completely coated in the sauce - this ensures moisture and flavor in every bite." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare dish", "text": "Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Using a spatula, smooth the top to create an even surface for your cheese and cracker topping." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add cheese", "text": "Evenly sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. The cheese creates a delicious middle layer between the creamy chicken and crispy topping." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Make topping", "text": "In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers, melted butter, and remaining bacon crumbles. The butter will coat each cracker crumb, helping them to toast to a perfect golden color rather than burn. Mix until the crackers are evenly moistened with butter." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Top casserole", "text": "Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the cheese layer, creating a complete blanket of topping. This will become your irresistibly crispy crown on the casserole." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake", "text": "Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You'll know it's ready when you can see active bubbling around the sides and the aroma fills your kitchen." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Rest", "text": "Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the layers to set slightly, making serving neater and prevents burning your mouth on the molten interior." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Garnish and serve", "text": "Garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired, and serve warm. This casserole reheats beautifully and can even be assembled a day ahead and baked when needed - simply add a few extra minutes to your baking time if cooking from refrigerated." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Samantha Wilson", "datePublished": "2023-06-15", "reviewBody": "This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is definitely worth every penny! The creamy texture combined with the crispy topping is absolute perfection. My kids normally complain about casseroles but they asked for seconds of this one!", "name": "Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Marcelo Gutierrez", "datePublished": "2023-06-22", "reviewBody": "I made this for a potluck dinner and it was the first dish to disappear! The ranch seasoning and bacon add so much flavor. Everyone wanted the recipe. This will be my go-to for gatherings from now on.", "name": "Potluck Winner", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Priya Sharma", "datePublished": "2023-07-05", "reviewBody": "The perfect comfort food! I love how versatile this recipe is - I added some broccoli and it worked beautifully. The cream cheese base is so rich and satisfying. My husband said it's the best casserole I've ever made!", "name": "Creamy Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ahmed Khalid", "datePublished": "2023-07-18", "reviewBody": "This casserole lives up to its name! The combination of textures between the creamy filling and the crunchy topping is absolutely divine. I made it for a family dinner and everyone raved about it. Definitely a keeper!", "name": "Worth Every Calorie", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Chen", "datePublished": "2023-08-03", "reviewBody": "I prepared this casserole ahead of time and refrigerated it overnight before baking. It turned out amazing and was such a time-saver on a busy weeknight! The flavors meld together beautifully and the buttery cracker topping stays perfectly crisp.", "name": "Perfect Make-Ahead Meal", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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