In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Sour cream
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Cream of chicken soup
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Cottage cheese (or cream cheese)
Mix until smooth and well blended. Stir in the shredded chicken, mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
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Use rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience.
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Don’t skip the resting time—it helps the casserole set.
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If using cream cheese instead of cottage cheese, soften it first for easy mixing.
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Taste the mixture before baking and adjust seasoning as needed.
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For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to the cracker topping.
Delicious Variations to Try
🧀 Extra Cheesy Version
Add an extra ½ cup shredded cheese or a layer of cheese under the cracker topping.
🥦 Chicken Broccoli Million Dollar Casserole
Stir in 1½ cups steamed broccoli florets for added texture and nutrition.
🍄 Mushroom Lover’s Version
Add sautéed mushrooms for a deeper, savory flavor.
🌶️ Spicy Kick
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
What to Serve with Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
This casserole is rich, so pair it with lighter sides:
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Steamed green beans or asparagus
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Simple garden salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
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Buttered rice or egg noodles
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
Make Ahead
Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Storage
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
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Reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Freezing Instructions
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Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months.
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Reheating Tips
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Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
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Microwave: Individual portions heat evenly and stay creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken provides better texture and flavor.
Is cottage cheese noticeable?
Not at all—it melts into the sauce and adds creaminess without a strong flavor.
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. Skip the crackers or replace them with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping.
Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Mild, creamy, and comforting—kids love it.
Why This Recipe Performs So Well Online
“Million Dollar Chicken Casserole” is a highly searched comfort-food recipe because it checks all the boxes:
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Easy weeknight dinner
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Budget-friendly ingredients
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Make-ahead convenience
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Potluck and holiday appeal
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Creamy, nostalgic flavor profile
It’s especially popular on Pinterest, Facebook, and family recipe blogs.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. It’s creamy without being heavy, rich without being complicated, and comforting in a way that feels timeless.
If you’re looking for a casserole that never fails, always satisfies, and earns compliments every single time, this is it.
👉 Save this recipe, share it with friends, and don’t forget to tell me what variation you tried! 🧀🍗✨
