Description

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm casserole bubbling away in the oven while the scent of buttered crackers and creamy chicken fills the house. For many families, the recipe for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole isn’t just dinner—it’s a memory. A dish like this often made an appearance on our Sunday table when everyone gathered after church, still in our dress clothes, catching up on stories from the week while the casserole did its magic in the oven.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole earned its name for a reason—it tastes like a million bucks, even though it’s made from everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe your grandmother might have passed down, scribbled on a notecard with the edges slightly browned from years of use. Creamy, rich, and irresistibly crunchy on top, this casserole brings together everything we love about down-home comfort food.

Whether you’re prepping it ahead for a busy weekday or serving it to guests on a chilly night, this dish never disappoints. Its creamy interior, packed with tender chicken and tangy ranch flavor, gives way to a golden, buttery cracker topping that adds just the right crunch. It’s satisfying without being fussy—a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1 packet ranch dressing mix

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Get Things Started
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. I like to use a ceramic dish that retains heat well and gives the casserole a beautiful golden crust.
Shred the Chicken
You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, or gently boil chicken breasts with garlic and onion for a homemade base. Once it’s cool, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch mix. Whip it until it’s smooth and fluffy—this is the heart of the casserole, so don’t skip this step!
Add the Chicken
Stir the shredded chicken into the cream mixture until fully coated. You should have a rich, thick filling.
Layer the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in your prepared dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. The cheese melts into gooey, golden goodness while baking.
Make the Buttery Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole. The contrast between the creamy filling and crispy topping is what makes this dish special.
Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. The aroma will fill your kitchen with the scent of buttery, savory comfort.
Serve and Savor
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon generous portions onto plates and enjoy the mix of creamy, crispy, cheesy textures.

Notes

If you’re making this ahead, store the assembled casserole (without the cracker topping) in the refrigerator. Add the topping just before baking so it stays crisp. This dish also freezes beautifully—perfect for gifting to new parents or neighbors in need of a comforting meal.