Go Back
Million Dollar Chicken Bake with tender shredded chicken in a rich creamy cheese sauce, topped with crispy buttery Ritz cracker crumbs, crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and melted cheddar cheese.

Million Dollar Chicken Bake

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Filling
  • 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup cooked bacon chopped
  • ½ cup sliced green onions
Buttery Cracker Topping
  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers crushed
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra chopped bacon

Equipment

  • 9x13 Baking dish
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Prep
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  3. Cook and shred the chicken.
  4. Cook bacon until crispy and chop.
  5. Shred the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
  6. Slice the green onions.
  7. Crush the Ritz crackers.
  8. Melt the butter.
Instructions
    Make the Filling
    1. In a large bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
    2. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt.
    3. Fold in shredded mozzarella.
    4. Fold in shredded cheddar.
    5. Stir in shredded chicken.
    6. Add chopped bacon.
    7. Add sliced green onions.
    8. Add chopped parsley.
    9. Mix until evenly combined.
    Assemble
    1. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
    2. Make the Topping
    3. Combine crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and garlic powder.
    4. Toss until every crumb is coated.
    5. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
    Bake
    1. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes.
    2. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the final 10 minutes.
    3. Bake until bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
    Finish
    1. Remove from the oven.
    2. Rest for 10 minutes.
    3. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped green onions.
    4. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
    5. Finish with extra crispy bacon.
    6. Serve hot.

    Notes

    • Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
    • Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
    • The Ritz cracker topping should stay crispy, so avoid covering after baking.
    • If making ahead, prepare everything except the cracker topping. Add the topping just before baking.
    • Leftovers reheat beautifully.
    • For even more flavor, use smoked cheddar in place of half of the sharp cheddar.