Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. With shredded chicken, creamy soup, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.
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 the 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 until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling.
- Step 5: Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Try substituting crushed Ritz crackers for a slightly sweeter, buttery topping.
- Use cooked turkey instead of chicken for a holiday twist.
- Add a cup of frozen peas or chopped broccoli to the filling for extra veggies.
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 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the cracker topping crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken from any source works well. Just be sure it’s fully cooked and shredded before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish combining shredded chicken, creamy soup and sour cream, topped with a buttery cracker crust. Perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner, this casserole bakes to a warm, bubbly delight with minimal 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and evenly mixed. Spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crackers are completely coated with butter.
- Assemble the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling layer in the baking dish, creating a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
- Make sure to crush the crackers finely for a better crust texture.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and butter.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, 5-ingredient casserole, chicken casserole, easy baked dinner, creamy chicken casserole, buttery cracker topping
