What is the Million Dollar Chicken Recipe Winner?

The Million Dollar Chicken Recipe Winner refers to the most popular version of this creamy casserole that consistently tops home cooking contests and food blogs. The “winning” combination usually includes shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and a buttery cracker topping. This recipe stands out because of its perfect balance—rich yet comforting, creamy yet crunchy. It’s often called a “winner” because it’s foolproof, family-approved, and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.

What Makes the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Jamie Oliver Version Special?

The Jamie Oliver–inspired Million Dollar Chicken Casserole focuses on fresh, wholesome ingredients without overcomplicating the process. Instead of heavy cream or condensed soup, Jamie’s style uses real cream cheese, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and fresh herbs to achieve richness naturally. His take emphasizes: Fresh shredded chicken instead of canned Real garlic and onions for depth A touch of lemon for brightness This version feels lighter but still indulgent—perfect for home cooks who love comfort food with a healthy twist.

How Does the Pioneer Woman Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole?

The Pioneer Woman’s Million Dollar Chicken Casserole stays true to her homestyle, hearty cooking roots. Ree Drummond’s version often includes shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese, but her secret ingredient is ranch seasoning . That simple addition brings a tangy, herby flavor that complements the creamy filling beautifully. She also tops her casserole with crushed Ritz crackers baked until perfectly golden for a crisp, buttery finish. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser—classic, easy, and full of country comfort.

How Do You Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with Mayonnaise?

To make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with mayonnaise , replace part of the sour cream with mayo for a richer, silkier consistency. Here’s the formula: 8 oz cream cheese (softened) ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup mayonnaise 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 3 cups cooked shredded chicken 1 can cream of chicken soup Mix everything, top with buttery crushed crackers, and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. The mayonnaise not only enhances creaminess but also helps the casserole stay moist and flavorful when reheated.

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole: The Best 5-Star Recipe

Name: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded cooked chicken; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed; 1/4 cup melted butter

Description

This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden on top. Made with tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and buttery cracker crumbs, this easy dinner recipe delivers rich flavor and irresistible texture in every bite. A true family favorite that tastes like a million bucks without breaking the bank!

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie, poached, or baked)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed
¼ cup melted butter
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add shredded chicken to the mixture and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly coated.
Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Combine crushed crackers and melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

To make it lighter, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cream cheese.

For extra creaminess, add 2 tablespoons of milk to the chicken mixture before baking.

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead; refrigerate covered until ready to bake.

Freezer-friendly: wrap unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 740 mg
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, comfort food recipe, cheesy chicken bake, family dinner idea