Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Tasty and Easy Dish

Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn); 0.5 cup green onions, chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; to taste salt and pepper; 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (for topping); 2 tablespoons butter, melted

October 24, 2025February 19, 2025 by Hazel

Looking for a dish that’s both delicious and simple? The Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is here to save your dinner routine! Packed with flavors and quick to prepare, this recipe will impress your family and friends. I’ll guide you through every step, from prepping the oven to storing leftovers. Let’s dive into this easy and tasty casserole that everyone will love!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Comfort Food: With creamy chicken, cheese, and buttery cracker topping, it’s a warm hug in a dish.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables or use leftover chicken, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
Feeds a Crowd: This recipe serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients Breakdown

For the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, you will need:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (for topping)
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken adds protein, while the rice helps bind everything together. Cream of chicken soup brings creaminess, and sour cream adds tang. Cheddar cheese gives a nice flavor and melty texture. The mixed vegetables offer color and nutrients. Garlic and onion powders give depth to the dish. Finally, the Ritz crackers add that perfect crunch on top.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

You can enhance the flavor of your casserole by adding:

Diced bell peppers
Mushrooms
Cooked bacon bits
A dash of hot sauce
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

These ingredients can make the dish even more special. Bell peppers add sweetness. Mushrooms bring earthiness and umami. Bacon bits offer a smoky taste. Hot sauce can give it a kick, while herbs add freshness. Feel free to mix and match these extras based on your taste.

Suggested Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions

If you have dietary needs, you can make some swaps:

Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option.
Swap cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version or homemade soup.
Choose low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter dish.
Use plant-based cheese for a vegan option.

These substitutions help you enjoy the casserole while meeting your dietary needs. They keep the flavors balanced and tasty. Remember, cooking is about finding what works for you!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Casserole Dish

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Next, take a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This helps the casserole not stick. Set it aside while you mix the ingredients.

Mixing the Chicken Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the main ingredients. Start with 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Then add 2 cups of cooked rice. You can use white or brown rice, whichever you prefer. Next, pour in 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of sour cream. These add creaminess to the dish.

Now, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese gives flavor and gooeyness. Toss in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, like peas, carrots, and corn. They add color and nutrients.

Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped green onions for a fresh taste. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder for extra flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until well combined.

Adding the Topping and Baking Instructions

Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. In a separate bowl, take 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers. Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix them until the crackers are fully coated.

Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole. This will create a nice, crunchy layer. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You want it to be golden and bubbly.

When it’s done, take it out and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!

Tips & Tricks

How to Prevent a Dry Casserole

To keep your casserole moist, use enough liquid. The cream of chicken soup and sour cream help. Ensure you mix the ingredients well to coat everything evenly. You can also add more vegetables or a splash of chicken broth if needed. Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking. This traps steam and keeps the casserole juicy.

Best Cheese Options to Use

Cheddar cheese is great for this dish, but you can mix it up. Try Monterey Jack for a creamier taste. Gouda adds a nice smoky flavor, while mozzarella gives it a stretchy texture. Use a blend to enhance the flavor profile. Remember, the cheese should melt well and not clump together.

How to Make It Ahead of Time

Making this casserole ahead is easy. Prepare all the ingredients and mix them in the dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. This way, you have a quick meal ready to go!

Pro Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This adds flavor and saves you time.
Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to personalize the dish.
Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture.

Variations

Vegetarian Million Dollar Casserole

You can make a veggie version of this dish. Replace the chicken with your favorite veggies. Try using mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup. You can add extra cheese for flavor or skip it for a lighter option. This twist keeps the creamy texture while being meat-free.

Southwest Chicken Casserole Twist

To give your casserole a Southwest flair, add some spices. Mix in a teaspoon of cumin and chili powder. Swap the frozen mixed veggies for corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Top with jalapeños for a kick. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for added heat. This version brings a fun, bold taste to your meal.

Low-Carb Option for the Recipe

If you want a low-carb version, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish light but still hearty. Use a low-carb cream of chicken soup or make your own. You can also skip the Ritz crackers or use a low-carb cracker alternative. This way, you can enjoy a rich meal without the extra carbs.

Storage Info

How to Properly Store Leftovers

After you make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, let it cool down. Place the leftover casserole in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Instructions for Maximum Flavor

To reheat, take the casserole out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Bake it for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the dish even and tasty.

Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage

If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool first. Cut it into portions for easy meals later. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. The casserole can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this dish. Just shred it and add it to the mix. This saves time and adds flavor. The spices from the rotisserie chicken can enhance your casserole. You can use about three cups of shredded chicken for best results.

How do I make this casserole spicier?

To spice it up, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. A teaspoon of each can give it a nice kick. For more heat, try using spicy cheese instead of regular cheddar. You can also mix in some hot sauce with the chicken and rice. Taste as you go, so you get your perfect heat level.

What sides pair well with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

This casserole goes well with a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a nice crunch. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients. If you want something lighter, a fruit salad is a good choice. Each side brings balance to the meal and enhances the flavors.

In this post, we covered the main ingredients, tips for prep, and tasty variations for your casserole. You learned how to prevent dryness and how to add flavor with cheese. We also discussed storage and reheating to keep flavors fresh.

Casseroles are versatile and fun. You can adapt them to fit your tastes and diet. Enjoy making this dish your ow

$For the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, you will need: - 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1/2 cup green onions, chopped - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (for topping) - 2 tablespoons butter, melted Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken adds protein, while the rice helps bind everything together. Cream of chicken soup brings creaminess, and sour cream adds tang. Cheddar cheese gives a nice flavor and melty texture. The mixed vegetables offer color and nutrients. Garlic and onion powders give depth to the dish. Finally, the Ritz crackers add that perfect crunch on top. You can enhance the flavor of your casserole by adding: - Diced bell peppers - Mushrooms - Cooked bacon bits - A dash of hot sauce - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme These ingredients can make the dish even more special. Bell peppers add sweetness. Mushrooms bring earthiness and umami. Bacon bits offer a smoky taste. Hot sauce can give it a kick, while herbs add freshness. Feel free to mix and match these extras based on your taste. If you have dietary needs, you can make some swaps: - Use quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option. - Swap cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version or homemade soup. - Choose low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter dish. - Use plant-based cheese for a vegan option. These substitutions help you enjoy the casserole while meeting your dietary needs. They keep the flavors balanced and tasty. Remember, cooking is about finding what works for you! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. Next, take a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This helps the casserole not stick. Set it aside while you mix the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the main ingredients. Start with 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Then add 2 cups of cooked rice. You can use white or brown rice, whichever you prefer. Next, pour in 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of sour cream. These add creaminess to the dish. Now, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheese gives flavor and gooeyness. Toss in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables, like peas, carrots, and corn. They add color and nutrients. Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped green onions for a fresh taste. Don't forget 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder for extra flavor. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until well combined. Once the mixture is ready, transfer it to the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. In a separate bowl, take 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers. Pour in 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix them until the crackers are fully coated. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole. This will create a nice, crunchy layer. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You want it to be golden and bubbly. When it’s done, take it out and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy your Million Dollar Chicken Casserole! To keep your casserole moist, use enough liquid. The cream of chicken soup and sour cream help. Ensure you mix the ingredients well to coat everything evenly. You can also add more vegetables or a splash of chicken broth if needed. Cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking. This traps steam and keeps the casserole juicy. Cheddar cheese is great for this dish, but you can mix it up. Try Monterey Jack for a creamier taste. Gouda adds a nice smoky flavor, while mozzarella gives it a stretchy texture. Use a blend to enhance the flavor profile. Remember, the cheese should melt well and not clump together. Making this casserole ahead is easy. Prepare all the ingredients and mix them in the dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking. This way, you have a quick meal ready to go! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This adds flavor and saves you time. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to personalize the dish. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a gooey texture. {{image_2}} You can make a veggie version of this dish. Replace the chicken with your favorite veggies. Try using mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup. You can add extra cheese for flavor or skip it for a lighter option. This twist keeps the creamy texture while being meat-free. To give your casserole a Southwest flair, add some spices. Mix in a teaspoon of cumin and chili powder. Swap the frozen mixed veggies for corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Top with jalapeños for a kick. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for added heat. This version brings a fun, bold taste to your meal. If you want a low-carb version, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish light but still hearty. Use a low-carb cream of chicken soup or make your own. You can also skip the Ritz crackers or use a low-carb cracker alternative. This way, you can enjoy a rich meal without the extra carbs. After you make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, let it cool down. Place the leftover casserole in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. To reheat, take the casserole out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Bake it for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the dish even and tasty. If you want to freeze the casserole, let it cool first. Cut it into portions for easy meals later. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. The casserole can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this dish. Just shred it and add it to the mix. This saves time and adds flavor. The spices from the rotisserie chicken can enhance your casserole. You can use about three cups of shredded chicken for best results. To spice it up, you can add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. A teaspoon of each can give it a nice kick. For more heat, try using spicy cheese instead of regular cheddar. You can also mix in some hot sauce with the chicken and rice. Taste as you go, so you get your perfect heat level. This casserole goes well with a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a nice crunch. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients. If you want something lighter, a fruit salad is a good choice. Each side brings balance to the meal and enhances the flavors. In this post, we covered the main ingredients, tips for prep, and tasty variations for your casserole. You learned how to prevent dryness and how to add flavor with cheese. We also discussed storage and reheating to keep flavors fresh. Casseroles are versatile and fun. You can adapt them to fit your tastes and diet. Enjoy making this dish your own!$