If you are searching for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug, the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This casserole is rich, creamy, and bursting with savory goodness that instantly satisfies. The magic lies in the cottage cheese, which lends it an irresistibly smooth texture, while shredded rotisserie chicken keeps things quick and flavorful. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or bringing a crowd-pleaser to a potluck, this recipe never fails to impress and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the lush flavors, creamy texture, and delightful crunch in this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe. From savory spices to the melted cheese topping, every element works together in perfect harmony.
- Cream of chicken soup: The base for a smooth, savory sauce that melds the casserole together beautifully.
- Cottage cheese: Adds creamy richness and a bit of a tang for extra depth.
- Sour cream: Boosts the tang and makes the filling decadently smooth.
- Cream cheese: Gives the casserole a velvety, luscious texture that’s key to that “million dollar” feel.
- Creole seasoning: Brings a gentle kick of spice and aromatic flavor that makes the dish stand out.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and savory notes.
- Garlic powder: Provides a warm, comforting depth and is split between filling and topping for perfect balance.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: The star protein that saves time but doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Lifts and freshens the hearty mix with an herbaceous touch.
- Buttery crackers: Crushed and mixed with butter, these form a crispy, golden topping everyone will love.
- Unsalted butter: Joins the crackers for the ultimate crunchy topping with a buttery richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey blanket that seals in the deliciousness beneath.
- Sliced scallions: Optional, but perfect for a fresh, mild onion garnish.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Then, in a medium bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, Creole seasoning, onion powder, and half of the garlic powder until everything is blended into a smooth, creamy mixture. This is where the layers of flavor and the rich creamy texture begin to take shape.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Parsley
Next, fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken and chopped fresh parsley. The chicken adds hearty protein and a satisfying bite, while the parsley brings a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with melted unsalted butter and the remaining garlic powder. This topping promises a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the luscious filling below—absolutely essential for the texture balance in the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the creamy chicken mixture into a greased 9-inch square or 11×7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then finish with your cracker topping. Place the dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced scallions adds a burst of fresh, mild onion flavor and a lovely pop of green that brightens the casserole’s appearance. You can also use freshly chopped parsley for a similar effect. These garnishes make each serving feel special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete with its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or buttered noodles are all excellent complements. They bring balance and keep the meal feeling light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this casserole alongside a colorful roasted vegetable medley or drizzle it with a little hot sauce for a spicy kick. You can also serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation. These ideas elevate a humble casserole into something memorable and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe tastes just as good the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain its creamy texture without drying out.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap or place in an airtight container before freezing. It will keep for up to 4 months without losing any of that creamy flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for up to 6 hours. Then bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Adding a few extra minutes under the broiler can help refresh the crisp topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully, you can try cheddar for a sharper flavor or Monterey Jack for a smooth melt. Mixing cheeses can add exciting flavor layers.
Is it necessary to use rotisserie chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can use any cooked, shredded chicken you have on hand. Grilled, poached, or leftover roast chicken works perfectly.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Peas, steamed broccoli, or even sautéed mushrooms can be mixed in for extra nutrition and delicious flavor variety.
What can I use if I don’t have Creole seasoning?
In a pinch, use a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. This blend imitates the warm, spicy notes of Creole seasoning.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing and reheating?
Definitely! The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes well and reheats easily, making it a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe enough—it’s truly a show-stopping dish that brings comfort and celebration to the table all at once. Its creamy, savory layers and crunchy topping create a combo that just feels like home. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
PrintMillion Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
This million dollar chicken casserole is a rich, creamy, and savory comfort food made with shredded rotisserie chicken, a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese, topped with buttery, crunchy crackers and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family dinner, with versatile options to add peas or broccoli for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 1 (9-inch square) casserole, serves 10
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Casserole Base
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons Creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 5 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Topping
- 30 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon sliced scallions, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix creamy base: In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, Creole seasoning, onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add chicken and parsley: Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken and chopped parsley until evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare cracker topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers, melted butter, and the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder, mixing well to coat the crackers evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into a 9-inch square or 11×7-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then spread the cracker mixture evenly as the final layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown and the edges of the casserole are bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with sliced scallions if desired. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as a simple salad or noodles.
Notes
- The casserole can be frozen for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw overnight or for up to 6 hours in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
- Different flavors of rotisserie chicken, like mojo, lemon pepper, or garlic, can be used to change the flavor profile.
- Any crisp butter cracker can be used in place of Ritz crackers for the topping.
- You may add peas or steamed broccoli to the casserole for added texture and nutrition.
