Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With shredded chicken, creamy soup, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s both hearty and easy to make.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix until the filling is smooth and well blended. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter, stirring until all the crackers are coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling layer.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different twist.
- Use crushed Ritz crackers if you want a slightly richer, buttery topping.
- Mix in some chopped green onions or shredded cheese to the filling for added texture and taste.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Freshly cooked and shredded chicken works perfectly. Just make sure it’s cooled before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.
PrintDolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy soup and sour cream, topped with a buttery cracker crust and baked to golden perfection. This simple yet flavorful casserole makes a perfect weeknight meal or potluck favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter. Ensure the crackers are evenly coated with the butter to create a crispy, flavorful topping.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling layer in the baking dish, covering it completely for a nice crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cracker topping is a golden-brown color.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and be easier to serve.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- If you prefer a different soup base, cream of mushroom or cream of celery can be substituted.
- For a crunchier topping, add an extra 5 minutes of baking time but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
- To make the topping gluten-free, substitute the buttery crackers with a gluten-free cracker variety.
Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, easy chicken casserole, 5 ingredient casserole, creamy chicken bake, buttery cracker topping
