Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Our Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy night in.

This creamy, cheesy chicken casserole, topped with a buttery crunch, is easy to prepare and sure to please.

CHICKEN – I use cooked chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Using pre-cooked chicken makes this dish quicker and more convenient to prepare. You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken from the store.

SAUCE – I use a blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream to create a creamy, tangy base for the casserole. The cream cheese adds a rich, smooth texture, while the cottage cheese provides a bit of texture and a mild tanginess. Sour cream adds to the overall creaminess and adds a slight tang that balances the flavors beautifully.

SPICES – A mix of Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These spices work together to add depth and warmth to the dish. Italian seasoning brings a blend of herbs that complements the chicken, black pepper adds mild heat, garlic powder provides a subtle garlic flavor, and onion powder adds a hint of sweetness.

BROTH – I chose chicken broth for its rich flavor, which adds to the overall taste of the casserole and keeps it moist.

CHEESE – Monterey jack cheese is known for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. It adds a gooey, cheesy layer that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

CRACKERS – We use round buttery crackers, crushed to form a crispy, buttery topping. They add a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling.

BUTTER – We use unsalted butter to mix with the crushed crackers. Using unsalted butter allows us to control the salt level in the dish, ensuring it isn’t too salty.

GREEN ONIONS – For a fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion flavor. They bring a pop of freshness to the rich casserole.

1. Mix cream cheese, broth, cottage cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl.
2. Add chicken and stir. Transfer to a casserole dish.
3. Top with cheese, then crushed crackers mixed with melted butter.
4. Bake at 350° Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Serving Suggestions

SALAD – Pair the casserole with a fresh, crisp salad for a balanced meal. Try our Oma’s German Cucumber Salad for a tangy, refreshing option, Chopped Tomato Salad for a burst of juicy flavor, or Creamy German Salad for a richer side dish. These salads add a variety of textures and flavors that complement the creamy casserole perfectly.

ROASTED VEGETABLES – Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans.

BREAD – Make garlic bread in the air fryer for a quick and delicious side. Spread a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley on slices of baguette or homemade Sourdough Sandwich Bread.

ROASTED POTATOES – For a heartier meal, serve the casserole with roasted potatoes.

Planning and Leftovers

MAKE AHEAD – Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if baking directly from the refrigerator.

STORE – Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

FREEZE – You can freeze the casserole before cooking. Skip the butter and cracker topping, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing leftovers, remove the cracker topping and place the casserole in an airtight bag or container for up to three months.

REHEAT – To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350º Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For individual portions, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.

Recipe Success Tips

CREAM CHEESE – Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft before you start mixing. If it’s still cold and firm, it won’t blend well with the other ingredients. Just leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes before you begin, and you’ll get a smoother mixture.

CHICKEN – Save time and add extra flavor by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and seasoned, making your prep work a breeze. Just shred or chop it up, and you’re good to go.

CRACKER TOPPING – When crushing your crackers, try to get them as even as possible. This way, your topping will bake evenly and give you that perfect golden, crunchy layer on top of your casserole. You can use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin to crush them easily.

COTTAGE CHEESE – If you’re not a fan of the texture of cottage cheese, give it a quick blend in a blender or food processor before adding it to the mix. This will make your casserole even creamier without any noticeable curds.

SEASONINGS – Before you pop your casserole in the oven, take a little taste of the mixture. If it needs a bit more flavor, feel free to add a pinch of your favorite seasonings. This way, you can make sure it’s just right for your taste buds.