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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked casserole with tender shredded chicken and a buttery crushed-cracker topping. Bake until golden and bubbly for a rich, comforting dinner with a smooth filling and crisp finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cooked, shredded chicken
  • 3 cup cooked, shredded chicken
Cream cheese mixture
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
Cheese and seasonings
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Cracker topping
  • 1.5 cup crushed buttery round crackers
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Serving garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped, for serving

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Get it ready so the casserole goes in as soon as it’s assembled.
  2. Beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth. Scrape the mixture as needed for a uniform, creamy base.
  3. Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until evenly combined so the chicken stays tender.
  4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top into an even layer for consistent baking.
  5. Combine the crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top. Aim for a full, even coverage so the top browns nicely.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

Notes

For the creamiest texture, use softened cream cheese and mix the base until fully smooth before adding the chicken. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Freeze the casserole baked or unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until hot and bubbly. For a lighter version, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping the filling thick.