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 pantry staples and minimal prep, it delivers rich flavors and a crispy topping that everyone will love.

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. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until the crackers are well coated.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling in the baking dish.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture before baking.
• Use crushed Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs as a topping alternative.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Add chopped green onions or herbs like parsley for a fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken from freshly cooked breasts or thighs works perfectly. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded before mixing.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 93 reviews

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a quick and comforting dish combining shredded chicken, creamy soup, sour cream, and a buttery cracker topping baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a simple weeknight meal with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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.
2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed. Spread this chicken filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter until all cracker pieces are well coated and slightly soggy from the butter.
4. Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling layer in the baking dish, ensuring a consistent coverage for a crispy top.
5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cracker topping turns a golden brown color.
6. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

• Rotisserie chicken is recommended for convenience and flavor, but any cooked shredded chicken will work.
• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade version for a fresher taste.
• For a crunchier topping, add extra crushed crackers or broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• This casserole freezes well; reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.
• Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, especially since the soup and crackers contain salt.

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