Dolly Parton is known for more than just her legendary voice and songwriting; she is also a master of Southern comfort food. This Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, creamy, and satisfying dish that is perfect for those busy nights when you are working 9 to 5.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate solution for a stress-free weeknight dinner. You will love it because it requires only five basic pantry staples and takes less than ten minutes of active prep time. It is a reliable crowd-pleaser that delivers a rich, cheesy flavor with a delightful buttery crunch on top. Whether you are a fan of the Queen of Country or just looking for a dependable meal, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your rotation.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken is perfect for this)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve butter crackers, such as Ritz, crushed
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, the can of cream of chicken soup, and the sour cream until well combined.
- Spread exactly half of the chicken and soup mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the first layer of the chicken mixture.
- Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Evenly sprinkle the crushed butter crackers over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
To make this recipe even faster, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It provides a great flavor and saves you the time of boiling or baking chicken breasts. For the best cracker topping, do not pulverize the crackers into a fine dust; leave some small chunks for a better texture. If you want a more intense cheese flavor, grate your own cheddar from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags, as it melts much smoother and tastes fresher.
Variations & Substitutions
While Dolly’s original recipe is perfect as is, you can easily customize it. If you do not have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or cream of celery works as a great substitute. You can swap the cheddar cheese for a Mexican blend or pepper jack if you want a little bit of a kick. For a boost of nutrition, try folding in a cup of frozen peas or steamed broccoli florets before baking. If you want a heartier meal, some home cooks like to mix cooked egg noodles directly into the chicken mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole is incredibly versatile. It is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that creamy sauce. For a lighter side, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans. A piece of warm cornbread or a side of Dolly’s famous coleslaw also makes for an authentic Southern meal experience.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, omit the cracker topping until you are ready to put it in the oven to prevent sogginess. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Reheating: To maintain the crunch of the crackers, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you are in a hurry, the microwave works well, though the cracker topping may soften slightly.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 24g |
Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, the can of cream of chicken soup, and the sour cream until well combined.3 cups cooked and shredded chicken, 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream
- Spread exactly half of the chicken and soup mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the first layer of the chicken mixture.1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Evenly sprinkle the crushed butter crackers over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust.1 sleeve butter crackers
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream. It will provide a similar creamy texture with a slightly tangier flavor and a boost of protein.
What are the best crackers to use for the topping?
Butter crackers like Ritz or Town House are the standard choice for this recipe because they provide a rich, salty crunch that complements the creamy chicken filling perfectly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the chicken and cheese layers a day in advance and store the dish in the fridge. Just wait to add the crushed crackers until right before you put it in the oven so they stay crispy.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, this is an excellent recipe for using up leftover holiday turkey. Simply swap the 3 cups of shredded chicken for 3 cups of shredded turkey.