Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a buttery cracker topping, this casserole delivers hearty flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.

A close-up of a baked macaroni and cheese being lifted by a woman's hand with a spoon from a white dish. The top layer is golden brown and crispy with toasted breadcrumbs showing small green herb bits scattered across it. Below the crunchy top is a thick, creamy layer of melted cheese that is light yellow and white, with gooey cheese strings stretching between the dish and the spoon. The background is a white marbled texture, highlighting the rich, comforting dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are fully coated.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to the filling mixture.
  • Substitute crushed buttery crackers with crushed Ritz crackers or crushed buttery panko for a different texture.
  • Use cooked shredded turkey instead of chicken for a seasonal twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white square baking dish filled with macaroni and cheese, showing a thick layer of golden brown crispy breadcrumb topping with some green herbs sprinkled on top. A spoon lifts a large scoop revealing gooey, melted cheese strands stretching between the spoon and the dish, and underneath the crunchy top is creamy, yellowish macaroni cheese with a smooth texture. The background has a white marbled texture, and a woman's hand holds the spoon in the upper right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Print

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy soup and sour cream, topped with a crispy buttery cracker crust. Perfect for a quick family dinner or potluck, this casserole requires minimal ingredients and prep time while delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.

  • Author: Logan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream

Topping

  • 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined, then spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter. Ensure every crumb is coated well to create a flavorful and crunchy top layer.
  4. Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling layer in the baking dish, covering it completely to form the topping.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
  6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set and for safe consumption.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers.
  • You can add a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder to the filling for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, easy casserole recipe, buttery cracker topping, 5-ingredient casserole

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