Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This rich, indulgent Million Dollar Chicken Casserole transforms simple ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece that lives up to its luxurious name. The combination of tender chicken pieces bathed in creamy sauce and topped with buttery crisp crackers creates an irresistible dish that my family requests weekly.

I first made this casserole for a potluck dinner where I needed something impressive yet easy. The dish disappeared within minutes and three people asked for the recipe before leaving. Now it appears on our table at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide a lean protein foundation that absorbs all the rich flavors around it. Look for plump breasts without discoloration.
• Cream of chicken soup: creates the base for our velvety sauce. Choose a quality brand for best flavor.
• Cream of mushroom soup: adds earthy depth to complement the chicken. The mushroom pieces add nice texture variation.
• Sour cream: brings tangy richness that cuts through the heaviness. Full fat works best for creaminess.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts perfectly into the sauce. Grate your own for better melting than pre-shredded.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty salty dimension that enhances all other flavors. Use freshly grated when possible.
• Crushed buttery crackers: create the irresistible golden topping. Ritz crackers work perfectly here.
• Unsalted butter: helps crisp the topping while adding rich flavor. Using unsalted lets you control the overall saltiness.
• Garlic powder: provides subtle savory notes throughout the casserole without overwhelming.
• Onion powder: adds aromatic depth without the texture of fresh onions.
• Black pepper: brings necessary warmth and slight heat to balance the creamy elements.
• Paprika: contributes beautiful color and mild smoky flavor to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Heat your oven to 350°F ensuring it reaches temperature before the casserole goes in. This consistent heat helps the casserole cook evenly throughout.

Prepare Chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces about one inch across. Equal sizing ensures all chicken cooks at the same rate and prevents dry overcooked pieces.

Cook Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until no pink remains in center and juices run clear. The exterior should have slight golden color.

Rest Chicken:

Remove chicken from heat and let cool slightly on a plate. This resting period allows juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it tender and preventing the sauce from becoming watery.

Create Sauce Base:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until completely smooth with no streaks. The mixture should have a uniform, thick consistency.

Add Cheeses:

Fold shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan into the soup mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to distribute evenly throughout the sauce base. The warmth will begin slightly melting the cheeses.

Season Mixture:

Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika to the sauce. Mix until spices are evenly distributed throughout. This ensures balanced flavor in every bite.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Add the cooked chicken pieces to the sauce mixture. Fold gently until every piece is thoroughly coated with sauce. Take care not to break up the chicken pieces.

Fill Casserole Dish:

Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly to the edges. Ensure the chicken is distributed evenly throughout for consistent serving portions.

Prepare Topping:

Melt butter completely until liquid but not browned. Combine with crushed buttery crackers in a bowl, stirring until every crumb is coated with butter. This ensures even browning and crispness.

Add Topping:

Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly across the entire surface of the casserole. Create a consistent layer without bare spots for maximum visual appeal and texture.

Bake Casserole:

Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is done when edges are bubbling and topping has turned golden brown. The center should be hot throughout.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven. This resting period helps the sauce thicken slightly and ensures easier serving without burning mouths.

Serve Casserole:

Using a large spoon, scoop generous portions ensuring each serving includes both the creamy chicken mixture and crispy topping. The contrast between these textures makes each bite exciting.

Pin it

The buttery cracker topping is what truly transforms this from an ordinary casserole into something spectacular. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of breadcrumbs one evening and had to improvise. My husband declared it was the best version I had ever made, and the crispy, buttery top layer has been non-negotiable ever since.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save time and add flavor. Simply shred or cut the chicken into pieces before mixing it with the sauce.

→ How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or some red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for a kick of heat.

→ Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds extra creaminess to the casserole.

→ What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute with other cream soups like cream of celery, cream of chicken, or even cream of onion depending on your taste preference.

→ How can I make the topping crunchier?

Add extra crushed buttery crackers or sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top before baking for a crispier topping.