Kitchen Divas

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Us
    • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Courses

    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

    Published: Jan 8, 2025 · Modified: May 10, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Share50
    Pin238
    Post
    Email
    Share25
    313Shares
    288Shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with noodles is a tasty and comforting dinner recipe that’s easy to put together. If you are looking for a quick meal that even picky eaters will enjoy, you need to add this one to your list. It’s perfectly creamy and cheesy with tons of flavor!

    A plate of million dollar pasta on a table with a fork to the side.
    Jump to:
    • Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Bake
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
    • Recipe Tips
    • Storage Directions 
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Video
    • More Delicious Chicken Casserole Recipes
    • Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with Pasta

    This creamy chicken casserole is packed with savory flavor from the gooey cheese, bacon, and cream cheese. Several ingredients work together to create amazing texture and bold flavor! This recipe is called a “million dollar casserole” because it’s so good that it tastes like a million bucks.

    If you like leftover rotisserie chicken recipes, you will love these BBQ Chicken Sliders and Mini Chicken Pot Pies.

    Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Bake

    • It takes just 30 minutes to bake: Once the casserole is prepared, it only takes 30 minutes in the oven before it’s ready to devour.
    • It’s a kid-approved dinner recipe: The creamy and cheesy flavors are enough to please even the pickiest kids. It’s one of the best meals to serve on a weeknight!
    • You can use leftover chicken: Feel free to repurpose leftover chicken and use it in this million dollar pasta casserole.

    Ingredients

    This recipe consists of creamy elements to create a cheesy and flavorful filling with minimal seasoning. These items are common and many are popular enough that you may even have most of them already. I almost always have cream cheese and butter!

    Ingredients to make this creamy chicken casserole on the table before serving.
    • Rotisserie chicken: I like to grab a rotisserie chicken to use for this recipe. It makes it super convenient. You may cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them instead if you prefer.
    • Cream of chicken soup: This ingredient adds flavor and a creamy consistency. It makes the perfect base to coat the chicken and pasta.
    • Bacon: I like to cook and chop the bacon, so there are larger crispy pieces throughout the casserole. Bacon bits will work in a pinch if you want to save time.
    • Cream cheese: The tangy flavor of the cream cheese balances the savory flavors of the other ingredients. Ensure it is softened so it mixes easily.
    • Sour cream: I like to add sour cream as well for its acidity and richness. You may use full or low-fat sour cream. Greek yogurt is a wonderful substitute or you can even use cream of mushroom soup.
    • Cheese: Part of the shredded Monterey jack cheese gets stirred into the chicken mixture while the other half is combined with the mozzarella to melt on the top of the casserole. You may use other cheeses like cheddar or an Italian blend if you like.
    • Pasta: I use rotini pasta but you may use any shape you like. Penne, ziti, medium shells, and even elbow macaroni are great options. You can even try making million dollar chicken spaghetti! Boil your pasta in chicken broth for even more flavor.
    • Ritz crackers: I like the crispy texture and salty, buttery flavor of Ritz crackers. Use breadcrumbs or even club crackers if you prefer.
    • Butter: The melted butter is mixed with the crushed crackers to create a crunchy topping for the million dollar casserole. I use salted butter but unsalted butter works as well.

    See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

    Variations

    • Buffalo Ranch: Stir in buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning for bold flavor and spice.
    • Southwest: Add bell peppers and corn to the chicken and pasta mixture and top it with diced tomatoes and olives for delightful southwest flavors.
    • Mushroom and spinach: Add sliced mushrooms and spinach for color and earthiness. Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom.
    • Spicy and zesty flavors: Add a ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for added flavor!

    How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

    Here are the steps to make this million dollar chicken recipe. Ensure that you preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish before you get started. 

    Ingredients to make this chicken pasta casserole in a bowl.

    Step 1: Make the chicken mixture. Combine the shredded chicken, soup, half the bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic, onion powder, and half the cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.

    Rotini pasta is added to the bowl of creamy sauce.

    Step 2: Add the pasta. Add the cooked rotini pasta to the bowl and gently stir the mixture until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.

    Creamy chicken and pasta mixture in a casserole dish topped with shredded cheese.

    Step 3: Transfer and add cheese. Pour the filling into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

    A hand holding a bowl of the cracker mixture over the baking dish.

    Step 4: Make and add the topping. Mix the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers and then sprinkle them over the top of the cheese.

    Million dollar pasta casserole is ready for the oven.

    Step 5: Bake. Put it in the oven and bake it for about 30 minutes. It’s ready when the crackers are golden, the cheese is melted, and the edges start to bubble.

    Bacon and green onions sprinkled over the top of the pasta casserole.

    Step 6: Garnish and serve. Top with the remaining chopped bacon and fresh parsley. Enjoy!

    Recipe Tips

    • Don’t overcook the pasta: I like to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after it continues to cook in the oven.
    • Cover when reheating leftovers: When you are heating the leftovers in the oven, cover them with aluminum foil so they don’t dry out. I also recommend covering it with a damp paper towel if you use the microwave.
    • Let it rest after cooking: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving it so it holds its shape better when scooping it.
    • Chunky cream cheese: If the cream cheese is still chunky, that’s not a problem! It will melt perfectly in the oven.

    If you love hearty chicken recipes like this chicken dish, you may also enjoy Crack Chicken Sliders.

    A wooden spoon holding a serving of million dollar pasta up over a casserole dish.

    Storage Directions 

    • Storing: Store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze the prepared casserole by covering it tightly and placing the container flat in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw or bake from frozen!
    • Reheating: You may reheat an individual portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on 50% power or place the casserole dish into a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly.
    • Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add a couple of minutes to the cooking time and bake it cold!

    Serving Suggestions

    • You can’t go wrong with warm bread and cheesy pasta! Serve this million dollar chicken bake with some freshly cooked air fryer dinner rolls or my copycat Cheesecake Factory brown bread.
    • Pick an easy veggie side dish. I recommend sauteed cauliflower or these glazed green beans and carrots.
    • I like a tasty dessert after a comforting meal. Try this recipe for these chewy magic cookie bars.
    A forkful of million dollar pasta held up over a plate of more.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make it in the slow cooker?

    Of course. Prepare as directed without adding the pasta. I recommend cooking it on low for about 2 hours. Then stir in the pasta and add the cheese and cracker crumbs on top. The residual heat will melt the cheese. You can also transfer it to a baking dish, add the cheese and cracker crumbs, and broil in your oven until golden on top.

    Why is my casserole browning so fast?

    Ovens vary and can sometimes be hotter than expected. Cover your million dollar pasta casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of cooking and then remove it for the remaining time to brown the top.

    Can I make this as a freezer meal?

    Sure thing! It's possible to make it ahead of time and freeze it for later but I find there is often some slight separation after cooking due to the dairy ingredients. If you decide to freeze it, prepare and assemble the dish as directed but do not bake. Wrap the dish in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you want to cook it, you can place your frozen casserole into the oven at 350°F for 50 minutes to an hour. If the crackers start to get too brown, you can cover with foil and continue baking.

    A serving of million dollar pasta on a plate ready to eat.

    Video

    YouTube video

    More Delicious Chicken Casserole Recipes

    Do you like easy casserole recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!

    • Chicken casserole with mushroom soup on a plate with a fork in the front.
      Chicken Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup
    • A forkful of spinach artichoke chicken casserole being held up over a plate.
      Artichoke and Spinach Chicken Casserole
    • A large spoonful of chicken bacon ranch mac and cheese is being lifted from a casserole dish.
      Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese
    • A fork holding a bite of old-fashioned chicken and rice casserole up over a plate with more.
      Old-Fashioned Chicken and Rice Casserole 

    If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!

    A plate of million dollar chicken casserole served up on the table.

    Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with Pasta

    Karin and Ken
    This recipe for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a great way to use pre-cooked chicken and pasta. It’s easy to prepare and loaded with flavor and texture.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 975 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 10.5-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
    • 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken about 1 full rotisserie chicken
    • 1 pound bacon cooked crisp and crumbled or chopped, divided
    • 6 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
    • ¾ cup sour cream
    • ½ tablespoon minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 cup shredded Monterey Colby jack cheese blend divided
    • 4 cups rotini pasta cooked to package instructions
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 sleeve ritz crackers crushed, (about 32 crackers)
    • 3 tablespoons salted butter melted
    • 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with nonstick spray.
    • In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon to stir together the cream of chicken soup, half of the bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic and onion powder. The cream cheese may remain slightly chunky, this is ok, it will melt when baked.
    • Add the pasta to the mixture and fold in carefully so you don’t break the noodles up too much.
    • Add the mixture to your casserole dish and top with the mozzarella and the remaining Monterey Colby jack cheese.
    • In a small bowl, combine the crackers and butter, folding lightly until you have a fluffy mixture and all crackers are lightly coated in butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
    • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the crackers are golden and the edges are bubbly.
    • Garnish with the green onion and remaining bacon and serve warm.

    Video

    Notes

    • Don’t overcook the pasta: I like to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after it continues to cook in the oven.
    • Use the slow cooker. Prepare as directed but leave out the the pasta and cook it on low for about 2 hours. Add the pasta, stir together, and finish with the cheese and cracker crumbs on top. The residual heat will melt the cheese. You can also transfer it to a baking dish, add the cheese and cracker crumbs, and broil in your oven until golden on top.
    • Make ahead and freeze: Prepare and assemble the dish as directed, but do not bake. Wrap the dish in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you want to cook it, place the frozen casserole into the oven and cook at 350°F for 50 minutes to an hour. If the crackers start to get too brown, you can cover with foil and continue baking. Since the sauce contains dairy, there may be some separation in the sauce after freezing it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 975kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 55gFat: 64gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 226mgSodium: 1755mgPotassium: 324mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 926IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 270mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword chicken casserole recipes, million dollar chicken casserole, million dollar chicken recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post was originally published May 2016. It's been updated with new content and images.

    Share50
    Pin238
    Post
    Email
    Share25
    313Shares
    288Shares

    More Main Courses

    • Two McDonald's biscuits and gravy over the top on a plate.
      McDonald's Biscuits and Gravy
    • A small bite of Mexican chicken and rice on a fork.
      Mexican Chicken and Rice
    • A piece of air fryer tilapia with seasonings on top.
      Air Fryer Tilapia
    • A plate of sweet chili salmon on a table with forks to the side.
      Sweet Chili Salmon

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    More about us

    Most Popular Recipes!

    • A fork holding pieces steak in crockpot next to mashed potatoes on a white plate, garnished with chopped herbs.
      Ribeye Steak in Crockpot
    • Air Fryer Haddock
    • A slice with a fork in it.
      Easy Hobo Casserole
    • A rack of beef ribs in the oven on a piece of parchment brushed with bbq sauce.
      The Best Beef Ribs Recipe

    Discover More Dinner Recipes ➡️

    Summer Favorites

    • A slice of cherry cream cheese pie on a plate.
      Cherry Cream Cheese Pie (No Bake)
    • A banana pudding cup topped with whipped cream, banana slice and small cookie.
      Easy No Bake Banana Pudding Cups
    • Red and green decorated rice krispie cookies next to a carafe of milk on a piece of parchment paper.
      Easy Rice Krispie Cookies (No Bake)
    • A stack of Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars on a plate.
      Easy No Bake Peanut Butter Bars

    More Easter Sweet Treats and Side Dishes ➡️

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Us

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2024 Kitchen Divas All Rights Reserved