Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With shredded chicken, creamy soup, and a crunchy buttery topping, this casserole comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor.

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a creamy, shredded chicken dish topped with melted yellow cheese and golden crispy breadcrumbs, accented with small green chive pieces. The texture shows stringy melted cheese intertwined with soft chicken, and the crispy breadcrumb topping adds a crunchy look. A silver fork lifts a portion from the bowl, showing the gooey texture and layers of chicken, cheese, and crumbs. The bowl sits on a blue fabric over a white marbled surface, with a blurred white baking dish in the background. 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until all crackers are coated.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture before baking.
  • Use crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery topping that crisps up beautifully.
  • Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and a lighter option.
  • Add chopped green onions or fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

How to Serve

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a baked macaroni and cheese casserole. The top layer is golden brown and crispy, made up of toasted breadcrumbs with specks of herbs. Below this crunchy crust, there is a creamy, melted cheese layer that looks smooth and stringy, stretching as a spoon lifts a portion from the dish. The cheese sauce is pale yellow with a soft, gooey texture, contrasting with the textured, crispy top. The background features a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze the casserole?

This casserole can be frozen before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Print

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting, creamy chicken dish that combines shredded rotisserie chicken, savory cream of chicken soup, and tangy sour cream, topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. Perfect for a simple yet satisfying family meal, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in just over half an hour.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken 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 ensure easy serving.
  2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed. Then spread this creamy filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter until all cracker crumbs are well coated with butter, creating a crispy topping.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken and sour cream layer in the baking dish. This will form the golden, crunchy crust on top.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but leftover cooked chicken works equally well.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the buttery crackers with gluten-free crackers.
  • For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of black pepper or paprika to the filling.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portions.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.

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

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