Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is more than just a dish; it’s like a warm hug on a cold day. Whenever I make this simple yet divine casserole, memories flood back of gathering ’round the table after long days with family and friends, eager for something comforting. Dolly herself has a spirit that resonates through this recipe—easy, approachable, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s one of those meals that sounds unassuming but delivers layered flavors that tickle your taste buds and make your heart sing. So, let’s dive into why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You know how sometimes you just need a meal that feels like a cozy blanket? This casserole does that and more. Combining tender chicken with the rich creaminess of soup and sour cream, it delivers a taste experience that’s both familiar and extraordinary. The buttery cracker topping? That’s the finishing touch—think of it as the sparkle on a freshly polished nail!
With just five ingredients needed, it’s incredibly quick to whip up, making it a lifesaver for those hectic weeknights when time is tight but family dinners are a must. Don’t be surprised if this soon becomes your go-to dish, because it’s not just food; it’s an experience that brings people to the table, buzzing with excitement. Plus, it’s equally delightful as leftovers, making it a multitasker in your weeknight meal plans. Trust me, you won’t just eat this casserole—you’ll savor each bite as you reminisce about those sweet, heartwarming moments that life brings.
Gather these ingredients
Shredded cooked chicken (2 cups): This is the star of the show! You can easily grab a rotisserie chicken from the store, saving you time and effort without skimping on flavor. If you want to go with a healthier option, feel free to use turkey instead.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can or 10.5 oz): This velvety soup is the magical glue that holds everything together, infusing the dish with a rich and creamy texture. If you’re looking for something lighter, you could use a low-fat version or even cream of mushroom soup for a twist.
Sour cream (1 cup): This ingredient adds a lovely tanginess that complements the richness of the chicken and soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap it out for Greek yogurt for a healthier zing!
Butter round crackers (1 sleeve, about 30, crushed): Think buttery, flaky goodness. These make for the perfect crunchy topping. If you want to experiment, try using Ritz crackers or even some crushed-up cheese-flavored varieties for a delightful twist.
Unsalted butter (½ cup or 1 stick, melted): The melted butter brings everything to life, coating those crackers in divine richness. This is where the magic begins!
How this recipe comes together
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C): Let’s get things heating so that we have a cozy oven for our casserole.
Prepare your baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This is where all the goodness will come together!
Mix your filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until everything is smoothly blended. You want to create a lovely, creamy base that looks inviting enough to dive right into.
Spread it evenly: Pour your chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets that creamy goodness.
Whip up the topping: In another bowl, we’re going to mix those crushed crackers with melted butter. Make sure they are well coated—this is what gives that glorious crunch on top.
Assemble the casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture all over that chicken layer. Don’t be shy; we’re going for total coverage here!
Bake it up: Slide your casserole into the oven and let it bake for about 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown—that’s the sweet spot!
Let it cool a bit: Before you serve, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This way, those flavors have time to settle and meld together beautifully.
Best way to enjoy it
Serving this casserole is like bringing home that warm, family vibe. You can dish up generous portions straight from the pan—no fuss, no frills. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some freshly steamed veggies for a vibrant contrast, which also helps cut through the richness of the dish. And if you’re really feeling it, maybe throw some warm, crusty bread on the side to scoop up all the deliciousness. It’s like a cozy get-together in a dish!
How to store and freeze
Got leftovers? Lucky you! You can keep this casserole fresh by covering it tightly with aluminum foil or transferring it to an airtight container—technically, it’ll last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When it comes to reheating, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes should do.
If you’re looking to save some for a rainy day, you can freeze it (just make sure you don’t freeze it before baking). Wrap it tightly and use it up within 2 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply bake it straight from the freezer—just extend the time a bit.
Helpful cooking tips
Want to elevate this already fabulous dish? Consider sautéing some onions and garlic before adding them to the chicken mixture. It adds layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for the secret ingredient. You could also mix in a cup of frozen peas or corn for a pop of color and nutrition. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the perfect ingredients; this dish is very forgiving. As long as you stick to the main components, you can really get creative!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to mix things up:
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a delightful kick.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in a cup of shredded cheese into the chicken layer—imagine the gooey goodness of cheddar melting throughout.
Sky’s the limit, so go wild with flavors that please your palate!
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
Directions to follow
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread the mixture into the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Your questions answered
- How long does this take to prepare? It should take you about 10-15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a homey meal in about an hour!
- Can I use chicken from scratch? Of course! Just cook your chicken thoroughly and shred it, but I love the convenience of rotisserie chicken.
- What wine pairs well? A chilled white wine like Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Just swap chicken for hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower.
- Is it safe to freeze? Yes, you can freeze before baking or after! Just ensure it’s well-wrapped.
There’s nothing quite like making a memory over a shared meal, and this casserole is the perfect recipe to bring people together. Every spoonful is like sharing a slice of love, and I really hope you give it a try. Don’t forget to put your own spin on it and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Description
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors that brings family and friends together around the table.Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
Directions
Assembly and Baking
Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Prepare baking dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.Mix filling
In a bowl, mix chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth.Spread filling
Spread the mixture into the baking dish.Prepare topping
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.Assemble casserole
Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping.Cool before serving
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 17g85%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 20g40%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 150 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0.2 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 30 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
