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Crispy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Easy Recipe with Ritz Topping

crispy million dollar chicken casserole - featured image

A quick and easy chicken casserole topped with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust that delivers comforting, homey flavors perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a twist)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 sleeves (about 7 oz / 198 g) Ritz crackers, crushed finely
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (75 g) frozen peas or corn

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken—rotisserie is recommended. If cooking your own, poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts until cooked through and shred when cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
  4. Fold the shredded chicken and any optional veggies like peas or corn into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
  5. Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish and smooth the top.
  6. Crush Ritz crackers finely using a food processor or rolling pin. Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until evenly coated and slightly clumpy.
  7. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  9. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and meld flavors.

Notes

Crush crackers finely to avoid burning. If topping browns too fast, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. Assemble casserole ahead but add topping just before baking to keep it crispy. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour or gluten-free crackers. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, Ritz topping, crispy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, quick casserole, cheesy chicken bake