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Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

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By Betty Crocker Contributor
Updated Sep 6, 2024
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When your family gathers for cozy evenings around the dinner table, there's nothing quite as satisfying as the warmth and comfort of casseroles. With satisfying chicken, rich and creamy cheese, and an oh-so-pleasing crunchy topping... Betty’s Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is comfort food at its finest! Quick and easy, it has crowd-pleasing appeal for busy family weeknights and friendly gatherings like potlucks. And the best part? It’s a cinch to customize, making it the perfect dish for beginner and expert cooks alike. You can use any kind of chicken you have on hand—rotisserie, baked, or even leftover chicken works wonders—as well as add and subtract ingredients as you go. In one hour you’ll have a simple and indulgent meal worthy of working into your weekly rotation. If you’re on the lookout for more cozy and heartwarming recipes like this one, check out our Casserole & Pot Pie Recipes page.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken

This million dollar chicken bake is as easy as can be to make. Start by mixing all the ingredients, except for the crackers and butter, in a large bowl until everything is well combined, then spread into your baking dish. Mix the crumbled crackers with melted butter, sprinkle across the casserole, and bake at 400°F until golden brown, or until nice and bubbly. Then it’s just garnish, serve, and enjoy! To get the full details on how to make this recipe, see the steps and tips below.

What to Serve with Million Dollar Chicken

To complement this rich and creamy million dollar chicken recipe, Betty’s Roasted Vegetables Recipe is packed with carrots, zucchini, and onions and is a great option for a colorful, flavorful dish that never disappoints. If you’re seeking something on the lighter side, a classic Betty salad like this Caesar Salad and Classic French Salad are great choices. These classic Betty recipes are brimming with fresh, tasty ingredients, and come together in 20 minutes or less. And if a heartier meal is what you’re craving, you can always add a side of garlic mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls to round out the plate.

How to Store and Reheat Million Dollar Chicken

Your million dollar chicken bake makes a great leftover meal, or you can make it ahead and freeze it for later. It will be a day-maker the next time you’re craving something hot and homemade but don’t have the time to cook from scratch. Leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat from the fridge, warm portions in the microwave on medium heat for two-three minutes or until heated through. For frozen leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and hot.

Popular Million Dollar Chicken Variations

Want to make this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole your own? This recipe is super easy to customize, making it just as versatile as it is delicious—try experimenting with the ingredients you have on hand. Try putting a fresh spin on the dish by adding veggies like broccoli, peas, or spinach, or for an added crunch, swap the cracker topping for crushed cornflakes or panko. If you’re seeking a lighter version, reduced-fat cream and cottage cheese are good alternatives, and you can even try kicking the flavor up a notch by mixing in a dash of hot sauce or sprinkling crispy bacon bits over the crushed cracker topping. (Who doesn’t love another reason to eat bacon?)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Chicken Can I Use for This Dish?

Thanks to the customizable nature of this million dollar chicken recipe, the type of chicken you use is really up to you and what you’re in the mood for. Shredded chicken breast is probably the most common choice—it’s a nice, lean option that’s high in protein. Tender and savory rotisserie chicken is a great choice if you want to add extra richness to your casserole without too much extra effort. For an even more unique flavor twist, opt for smoked or grilled chicken. If a busy weeknight has you pressed for time, pre-cooked, diced chicken from the deli section of your grocery store is an easy grab-and-go shortcut to this warm and cozy homemade meal. Choose the type of chicken that fits your style and taste and you can’t go wrong!

Should I Cover the Chicken Casserole While Baking?

It depends! If you prefer a softer, creamier texture, covering your million dollar chicken bake with aluminum foil will help retain moisture and prevent the top from becoming too dry or overly browned. Covering is especially helpful if you’re adding any veggies to the bake, as you want them to cook thoroughly without drying out. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a golden, crispy topping, it’s best to leave the casserole uncovered while baking. The exposed cracker and butter topping will get nice and crunchy to perfectly contrast the creamy inside. Of course, you can always go for a half and half approach! Consider covering the dish for the first 20 minutes, then uncover it for the remaining time. The result will be a perfectly creamy and crunchy casserole that’ll send everyone back for seconds.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

  • Prep Time 20 min
  • Total 40 min
  • Servings 8
  • Ingredients 13
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Ingredients

  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 package (1 pound) bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 can (15-oz) low sodium cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup from 1 jar (12 oz) Old El Paso™ Hot Jalapeño Slices
  • 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 sleeve (32 crackers) butter crackers, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    Heat oven to 400º F. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeños, 1/2 cup of the green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
  • Step 
    2
    Transfer the mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Step 
    3
    In a small bowl, mix crumbled crackers and melted butter. Spread the mixture evenly over top of casserole.
  • Step 
    4
    Bake 17 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is warmed through.
  • Step 
    5
    Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts are not available for this recipe

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