Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy comfort food that combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and two types of cheese for a decadent dish. Topped with a golden, crispy Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is simple to prepare yet full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers a satisfying, cheesy meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love Million Dollar Chicken Casserole because it’s a hearty, comforting dish with a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and a crispy, buttery topping.

The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and fluffy rice creates a rich, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

The golden Ritz cracker crust adds an irresistible crunch, making each bite even more delicious.

It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet simple, ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family dinner.

Key Ingredients:

Cooked Rice: The base of the casserole, providing a hearty and filling texture.

Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy, it adds protein and flavor to the dish.

Cream Cheese & Cottage Cheese: These creamy cheeses create a rich, smooth filling that binds the casserole together.

Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds moisture and depth, enhancing the creamy texture.

Minced Garlic & Onion: These aromatics bring savory flavor to the casserole.

Ritz Crackers: Crushed and mixed with butter, they form a crispy, golden topping that adds crunch and flavor.

Butter: Used for the topping, contributing to the richness and golden color of the cracker crust.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice (16 oz | 450 g)

3 cups shredded chicken (1 lb | 450 g)

1 cup cream cheese, divided (8 oz | 225 g)

1 cup cottage cheese, divided (8 oz | 225 g)

1 can (14 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon minced onion

20-25 Ritz crackers, crushed

3 tablespoons melted butter

Optional: dried herbs and garlic powder for crackers

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Prepare Rice Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup cream cheese and ½ cup cottage cheese. Mix well, then spread this mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Prepare Chicken Mixture: In another medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ½ cup cream cheese, ½ cup cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, and minced onion. Mix until smooth, then layer this mixture over the rice in the baking dish.

Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, until it is heated through and bubbly.

Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. For extra flavor, you can add dried herbs or garlic powder to the cracker mixture.

Add the Topping: After baking the casserole, sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top.

Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.

Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Million Dollar Chicken Casserole!

Notes:

Rice Options: You can use any cooked rice, but white rice or jasmine rice works best for a light, fluffy texture. Brown rice can be used for a heartier option, though it will change the texture slightly.

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or poach chicken breasts for a more customized taste.

Cheese Variations: For extra flavor, consider adding shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the cream cheese and cottage cheese mixture.

Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the day before and stored in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Topping Variations: If you’re looking for a different crunch, substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.

Herb Additions: Add dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the rice or topping for an extra layer of flavor.

Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, bake from frozen for about 50-60 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: 400 kcal | Protein: 25 g | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugars: 4 g | Fat: 25 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 70 mg | Sodium: 600 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice for a heartier version of the casserole.

Just be sure to cook it beforehand as you would with white rice.

Keep in mind that brown rice may take slightly longer to bake.

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with another type of soup?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even make your own homemade creamy soup for a different flavor.

Just ensure the consistency is similar to cream of chicken soup.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and cottage cheese with other cheeses like ricotta or a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make the casserole gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.

Make sure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well.

Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Frozen chicken should be thawed and cooked before using it in the casserole.

You can bake, boil, or sauté the chicken to shred it, ensuring it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

While you can use instant rice, it’s best to use regular cooked rice for a more consistent texture in the casserole.

Instant rice may become too soft during baking.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach can be added to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

Simply mix them in with the chicken mixture before baking.

How can I make the casserole spicier?

For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture, or incorporate diced jalapeños or green chilies into the casserole.

Can I prepare the Ritz cracker topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Ritz cracker topping in advance by crushing the crackers and mixing them with butter.

Store the mixture in an airtight container and add it to the casserole just before baking.