Dolly Parton’s 5-ingredient casserole is a quick and creamy Southern classic that uses pantry staples like shredded chicken and buttery crackers to create a cozy, family-approved dinner in under 40 minutes. This viral recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a reliable, comforting meal that tastes like it took hours but only requires five minutes of prep.
If you’re anything like me, your “workin’ 9 to 5” lifestyle doesn’t always leave a lot of room for gourmet cooking, but that shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavor. This casserole is the ultimate hack for home cooks who want a warm, bubbly dish on the table without the mountain of dishes or a complicated grocery list.
Key Takeaways
- Requires only five basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for using up a leftover rotisserie chicken or prep-ahead poultry.
- A hit with both kids and adults thanks to the cheesy, buttery cracker topping.
- If you enjoy this easy bake, you’ll definitely want to check out my Million Dollar Chicken Casserole for another creamy favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- You’ll love the golden, crispy edges where the butter crackers meet the melty cheddar cheese.
- Trust me, the combination of sour cream and cream of chicken soup is like a warm hug in a bowl.
- It’s incredibly versatile—serve it over rice, pasta, or even a batch of my Easy Jiffy Corn Casserole.
- The prep is so fast you’ll actually have time to sit down and enjoy your evening.
- It’s packed with high-quality protein from the chicken to keep your family feeling full and satisfied.
- This recipe is a great way to sneak in some High Protein Smoothie energy later because the dinner itself is so effortless.
Food or Cultural Background
Growing up with Southern roots, I’ve always admired Dolly Parton—not just for her music, but for her heart and her cooking! This recipe feels like a peek into a Tennessee kitchen, where simple ingredients are transformed into something special.
While Dolly has a few famous bakes, like her ground-beef-based 5-Layer Dinner, this chicken version is the one I reach for when I’m short on time but craving that classic “potluck” feel. It reminds me of the church socials I attended as a kid, where the casseroles were always the first thing to disappear! For more of that authentic flavor, you might also love my Southern Chicken Fried Chicken.
Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
| Ingredient | Notes/Substitutes |
|---|---|
| 3 Cups Shredded Chicken | Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut; use plant-based strips for a vegetarian twist |
| 10.5 oz Cream of Chicken Soup | Use a gluten-free version or try Crock-Pot Chicken and Rice methods for variety |
| 1 Cup Sour Cream | Plain Greek yogurt works as a tangier, high-protein swap |
| 1.5 Cups Cheddar Cheese | Sharp cheddar adds the most punch, but dairy-free shreds melt surprisingly well here |
| 1 Sleeve Butter Crackers | Ritz is the gold standard; use crushed gluten-free crackers if needed |
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch square baking dish (or a small casserole dish).
- Large mixing bowl for the chicken mixture.
- Sturdy spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.
- Nonstick cooking spray to keep things from sticking.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and give your baking dish a good spray so nothing sticks to those corners.
- Stir together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream in your bowl until it’s perfectly creamy.
- Spread exactly half of that chicken mixture into the bottom of your prepared dish for the first layer.
- Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese over that first chicken layer for a gooey middle.
- Top with the remaining chicken mixture and then the rest of your cheese to lock in the moisture.
- Crush your butter crackers and sprinkle them generously over the top—this is the best part!
- Bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and that cracker topping is a beautiful golden brown.
- Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets up, much like my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t over-crush the crackers; you want some bigger pieces to give the dish a satisfying crunch against the creamy chicken.
- If your chicken feels a little dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the soup mixture to keep it extra luscious.
- Want to know a little trick I’ve learned? You can learn How to Make Chicken Tender if you’re cooking the breasts from scratch for this recipe.
- Grate your own cheese if you can—pre-shredded bags have a coating that stops them from melting as smoothly as a fresh block.
What to Serve With Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- A crisp, green side salad is the perfect way to cut through the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans add a nice pop of color and fiber to the plate.
- If you want a heartier meal, serve this over a big pile of mashed potatoes or even alongside an Easy Southwest Chicken Wrap.
Storing and Reheating Tips
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, I recommend reheating it in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes to help keep that cracker topping from getting too soggy. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine, but the crackers will lose their crunch.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 488 kcal |
| Protein | 26g |
| Total Fat | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Sodium | 840mg |
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQs About Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Can I use different types of crackers?
Absolutely! While butter crackers are traditional for Dolly Parton’s 5-ingredient casserole, you can use saltines or even crushed cornflakes if you want a different kind of crunch.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken and cheese layers a day early, but wait to add the crackers until right before you pop it in the oven.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
You sure can! I love folding in some peas or sautéed mushrooms to Dolly Parton’s 5-ingredient casserole to make it a more complete one-pan meal.
Final Thoughts
I really hope this simple, soulful recipe brings as much joy to your dinner table as it does to mine! It’s proof that you don’t need a hundred ingredients to make something everyone will love. If you’re looking for another quick 5-ingredient win, you’ve got to try my 5-Ingredient Marry Me Gnocchi next. Can’t wait to see your photos!
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Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until well combined and creamy.
- Spread out exactly half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the grated cheese over the chicken layer.
- Top with the remaining chicken mixture, followed by the remaining cheese, and finally the crushed butter crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the mixture is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.