Million Dollar Chicken Casserole (Creamy & Buttery with Ritz Crust)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and helps it bake evenly.
2. Prepare the creamy filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This will form the rich base of your casserole.
3. Add the chicken and cheese. Fold the shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture. Stir gently to evenly distribute the chicken and cheese throughout the filling.
4. Assemble the casserole. Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out with a spatula so the top is even.
5. Prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are well-coated with butter, ensuring that each piece gets a bit of the buttery richness.
6. Top the casserole. Sprinkle the buttered Ritz crackers evenly over the chicken mixture in the casserole dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the cracker topping. This will melt and create a golden, cheesy crust.
7. Bake the casserole. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
8. Let it rest. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to cut into neat portions.
9. Serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food with your favorite sides!

Serving Notes

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is great served with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some garlic bread for dipping into the creamy filling. It also makes excellent leftovers, so feel free to make extra to enjoy later in the week. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes  |  Cook Time: 35 minutes  |  Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6  |  Calories: 545 kcal per serving