Million Dollar Cooked Chicken Breast Casserole
Hey there, friend! 💖
I’ve got a secret to share with you today, and I promise you’re going to love it, this Millin oDollar Cooked Chicken Breast Casserole is a total game-changer.
Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that’s so easy to make, yet so delicious, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
And I get it, we all want something tasty, filling, and super simple to whip up, especially when life gets busy. And trust me, this casserole checks all those boxes!
When you take that first bite, you’ll be amazed. The creamy, cheesy goodness will have you coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds.
I’ve made this dish countless times, and every single time it gets rave reviews from friends and family.
And, it’s one of those meals that makes everyone feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen (but we both know it’s actually super quick and easy!).
What I love most is how versatile it is. You can throw in whatever veggies you like, and it still turns out amazing every time. And the best of all?
You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to get it just right. This recipe is made for you, the busy woman who deserves a home-cooked meal that doesn’t take forever to prepare.
So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! You’re going to love this, I promise.
How to Make Million Million-Dollar Cooked Chicken Breast Casserole
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s make sure you’ve got everything. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 4 cooked chicken breasts (shredded or diced)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because, obviously)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (the secret to that crunch)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get down to the fun part.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). We want it nice and warm for our casserole.
Step 3: Mix Your Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine your cream of chicken soup and sour cream. It’s a simple mix, but trust me, this creamy combo is the foundation of flavor.
Add in your garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Now, grab that cooked chicken (whether you shredded it or diced it up) and toss it into the bowl.
Stir it all in with that creamy sauce. We want every piece of chicken to be smothered in all that goodness.
Step 5: Layer It Up
Now that the chicken is ready, spread the mixture into a greased baking dish. A 9×13-inch dish works perfectly, but if you’ve got a different size, just make sure it all fits and the casserole is about an inch or so deep.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle both your shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan on top. This is the part where it starts looking so good.
Step 7: Cracker Topping Time
Now, the magic happens. Grab your crushed Ritz crackers (don’t crush them too fine, we want those satisfying little crunches) and sprinkle them evenly over the casserole. Drizzle that melted butter over the top to help the crackers turn golden and crispy.
Step 8: Bake and Wait (It’s Worth It)
Put the casserole into your preheated oven and bake it for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, bubbly top, and that irresistible smell will tell you it’s ready.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s done, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. It’ll be tempting, but trust me, those first few minutes are worth the wait.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Okay, let’s talk about a few classic slip-ups to avoid so you can make this casserole drama-free.
Using dry chicken
Don’t use leftover chicken that’s been sitting around for a while and has dried out. You want moist, juicy chicken. If you’re using leftovers, make sure they’re still moist or add a little bit of broth when mixing them into the casserole.
Forgetting the butter on top
Don’t skip the melted butter over the crackers! It’s what makes the topping crispy and golden. No butter? No crunch.
Not baking it long enough
Give it enough time to really get bubbly and golden on top. If it’s not golden yet, let it bake a bit longer, no one likes a pale casserole.
Not mixing everything evenly
Make sure every chicken piece is coated with that creamy goodness. You don’t want any dry spots in there, trust me.
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Recipe Best Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even easier option, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It’s perfectly cooked and ready to shred. Saves you a ton of time.
- Make It a One-Pan Wonder: You can skip the mixing bowl and do everything right in the casserole dish to save time on cleanup. Just layer the ingredients and mix them right in the dish.
- Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: If you want to sneak in some veggies (or just make it a little more hearty), throw in some frozen peas or spinach. They add a nice touch of color and taste.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the creamy base. It’ll give it a nice kick!
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich, creamy, and super filling on its own, but you can serve it with a few things to balance it out.
⑴ Fresh Salad: Pair it with a light, crisp salad. The freshness will cut through the richness of the casserole. A simple green salad with a lemony vinaigrette works wonders.
⑵ Garlic Bread: Because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love garlic bread with a cheesy casserole? You can never go wrong with a side of buttered, garlicky bread to mop up the leftovers.
⑶ Steamed Veggies: For a bit of color and texture, steam some veggies like broccoli or green beans. They’ll add some crunch and a fresh vibe to your meal.
Storage and Freezing
① Storing Leftovers: Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
② Freezing: You can freeze this casserole too. Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then put it in a freezer-safe bag.
It’ll stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
③ Reheating: To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work just as well. They’ll add a little more flavor and moisture.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Totally! If cheddar’s not your thing, go for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you love. It’s your casserole, after all.
Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yep, absolutely! You can assemble it the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
A4: You can use any buttery cracker, like Saltines or Club crackers. You can also make your own topping with crushed cornflakes if you’re feeling adventurous.
Q5: Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
A5: For sure! You can sneak in some peas, spinach, or even mushrooms. Just make sure they’re cooked first, so they don’t release too much moisture into the casserole.
Q6: Can I use a different kind of soup?
A6: Cream of mushroom or even a cheesy broccoli soup would work in place of cream of chicken. Play around with it and see what you like best!
Q7: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A7: For a gluten-free version, swap the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers, or even crushed gluten-free cornflakes. Make sure your soup is also gluten-free, or use a homemade version!
Conclusion
And there you have it—a super easy, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious Million Dollar Cooked Chicken Breast Casserole! I hope you’re as excited to try it as I am.
This dish is a total winner and will become a family favorite in no time. Got your own spin on it? Share it in the comments—I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
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Million Dollar Cooked Chicken Breast Casserole
Ingredients
Ingredients for Million Dollar Cooked Chicken Breast Casserole
- Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering casserole:
- 3-4 cooked chicken breasts shredded or cubed
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom if you prefer)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas or any veggies you like—corn, carrots, or broccoli work great!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional, for topping
- 1 tablespoon melted butter if using breadcrumbs
Key Substitutions:
- If you prefer a dairy-free version swap the sour cream and cheeses for dairy-free alternatives.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for even faster prep if you’re short on time.
- For a low-carb option skip the breadcrumbs or use a low-carb alternative like crushed pork rinds.
Instructions
How to Cook Million Dollar Cooked Chicken Breast Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Let’s get to the good stuff! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a cheesy, delicious casserole in no time. Ready? Here we go:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- It’s always good to start by getting the oven ready. It’ll be nice and hot when you’re ready to pop that casserole in!
Shred or chop your cooked chicken.
- If you have leftover chicken, perfect! If not, grab some cooked chicken breasts, shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. (You can always use a rotisserie chicken to make this even easier.)
Mix the creamy goodness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it up until everything is well combined and creamy. This is the sauce that makes this casserole so delicious!
Add the chicken and veggies.
- Toss your shredded chicken and frozen peas (or your chosen veggies) into the creamy mixture. Stir everything together until it's evenly mixed. Don’t be shy—get all those flavors in there!
Transfer to a baking dish.
- Take a greased 9x13-inch baking dish (or something similar) and pour your chicken mixture into it. Spread it out evenly, so it cooks nicely.
- Top with breadcrumbs (optional).
- If you like a crispy top, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter on top for that golden crunch.
Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Pop it in the oven and let it bake until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. If you're using breadcrumbs, this will give you the crispy topping that’ll make everyone think you're a chef.
Serve and enjoy!
- Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll want to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.
- Pro Tip: If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), this casserole heats up beautifully for another meal.
- Enjoy your delicious, million-dollar meal—you've earned it! 😋
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs to the mixture.
- You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.