Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting, simple dish perfect for busy weeknights. With shredded chicken, creamy soup, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping, it’s both delicious and easy to prepare.
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. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed. Spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until all the crumbs are coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or diced celery to the chicken mixture.
- Use flavored crackers like buttery herb or garlic for a twist on the topping.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten the dish without losing creaminess.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The topping may lose some crispness when reheated but will still taste delicious.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and shred the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I freeze this casserole?
It’s best to freeze before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
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Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish featuring tender shredded chicken baked with creamy soup and sour cream, topped with a buttery, crispy cracker crust. Perfect for an easy family meal, this casserole combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture with minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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 this chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter, making sure all cracker bits are well coated to create a crunchy topping.
- Assemble Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken and creamy filling in the baking dish, covering the surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden-brown, crisp topping.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- For a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different twist.
- To lighten the dish, use reduced-fat sour cream and margarine instead of butter.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, 5-ingredient casserole, easy chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, comfort food, baked chicken dish
