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 tender chicken, creamy soup, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly.

A close-up of macaroni and cheese in a white square dish with a thick, crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb topping sprinkled with herbs. A spoon lifts a scoop from the dish, revealing creamy, melted cheese mixed with macaroni underneath the crust. Cheese stretches in long, thin strands from the scoop to the dish, showing the gooey, rich texture beneath the crunchy surface. The backdrop is a soft white marbled texture, and a woman's hand holds the spoon from the top right corner. 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 evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
  5. Step 5: Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping.
  6. Step 6: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a handful of chopped green onions or shredded cheese to the chicken mixture.
  • Use crushed Ritz crackers for a slightly different buttery texture and taste.
  • Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to add a bit of tang and reduce calories.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish filled with three layers of baked mac and cheese, the top layer is a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb crust with small green herb flakes scattered on it. As a woman's hand lifts a spoonful, the middle layer reveals creamy, melted cheese stretching long, smooth strands with a pale yellow color mixed with white sauce. The bottom layer consists of soft macaroni covered by the rich cheese sauce, hidden beneath the crispy topping, all sitting on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked shredded turkey or even canned chicken if preferred. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before mixing.

Is there a vegetarian option for this casserole?

You can substitute the chicken with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach and use a cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

Print
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Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, creamy, and comforting baked dish combining shredded chicken, creamy soup, and a buttery cracker topping. Perfect for a quick family meal requiring minimal ingredients and effort, this casserole bakes to a golden crispy finish with a rich and flavorful chicken filling.


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.
  2. Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Spread the filling evenly into the greased baking dish.
  3. Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter, ensuring the crackers are fully coated with the butter.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken filling layer in the baking dish to create a crispy topping.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.

Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and great flavor, but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
  • For a crispier topping, spread crackers evenly but avoid pressing them into the filling.
  • Feel free to add chopped vegetables like onions or celery for extra texture and flavor if desired.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
  • Using unsalted butter allows better control of sodium levels in the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, easy chicken casserole, 5-ingredient casserole, comfort food, baked chicken casserole, creamy chicken dish

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