Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. With simple pantry staples and minimal effort, you get a creamy chicken bake topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust.
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 well until smooth. Spread the 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 fully coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a handful of shredded cheese into the chicken mixture before baking.
- Try substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
- Use gluten-free crackers to make this dish gluten-free.
- If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to help maintain the crispy topping, or microwave individual servings if short on time, though the topping may soften.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just be sure to fully cook and shred the chicken before using it in the recipe. Using rotisserie chicken simply saves time.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Refrigerate it overnight, then bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
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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 comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining shredded chicken, creamy soup, and sour cream, topped with buttery crushed crackers, this casserole delivers warm, savory flavors with a satisfying crunchy topping. Ready in just over 40 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that requires 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). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for the casserole.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Then spread this evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter until the crackers are fully coated, creating a rich, crispy topping.
- Assemble Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the chicken filling layer in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage for a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can use any cooked chicken shredded finely.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the crackers with gluten-free crackers.
- Feel free to add a pinch of black pepper or herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, chicken casserole, easy casserole, 5 ingredient casserole, baked chicken dish, creamy chicken casserole
