Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory baked dish perfect for family dinners. It features tender cubed chicken breasts mixed with cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and seasoned with garlic and onion powder. A crunchy topping made of buttery Ritz cracker crumbs and crispy bacon adds a delightful texture contrast. Garnished with green onions, this casserole is both comforting and indulgent.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 8 ounce block cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 5 slices bacon (cooked until crispy, chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Topping
- 30 Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 5 slices bacon (cooked until crispy, chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed chicken breast pieces. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then mix carefully to coat the chicken evenly. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, half of the chopped bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Stir all ingredients together until fully combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spoon the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out into an even layer for uniform baking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted unsalted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, and the topping has turned a golden brown, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining chopped bacon and green onions over the top to add freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Cooking the bacon ahead of time until crispy adds a much-desired crunch and flavor contrast in the casserole.
- Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve.
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduce added salt.
- This casserole can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
