5-Ingredient Casserole

A comforting, no-fuss casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and a buttery cracker topping — minimal ingredients, maximum comfort.

introduction

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, nostalgic dish built for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you want something reliably cozy with almost no effort. It’s creamy, satisfying, and quick to assemble — the kind of recipe that practically guarantees warm smiles around the table.

why make this recipe

• Ultra-easy: Only five ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Time-saver: Uses shredded rotisserie chicken to skip long prep.
• Crowd-pleaser: Familiar flavors that appeal to most palates.
• Budget-friendly: Pantry staples and minimal extras.

how to make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Follow the simple mixing and topping steps, then bake until bubbly and golden. It’s mostly hands-off time in the oven, making it perfect for multitasking while dinner finishes itself.

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

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Make topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
4. Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping.
6. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Serve warm straight from the dish. Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables (like green beans or broccoli), or simple roasted potatoes to balance the creamy texture. A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chopped parsley can brighten the flavors.

how to store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes) or microwave individual portions. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Freezing: Assemble but don’t bake, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

tips to make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and get great flavor.
• Crush crackers finely for an even, cohesive topping; leave a few slightly larger crumbs for texture.
• If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking.
• For extra richness, stir a handful of shredded cheddar into the filling before baking.

variation (if any)

• Substitute crushed Ritz or butter crackers with buttery breadcrumbs or crushed saltines for a different crunch.
• Add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the filling for added color and veggies.
• Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery if you prefer a different flavor base.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace the chicken with cooked, diced potatoes, canned chickpeas, or a medley of sautéed mushrooms and use a vegetarian cream soup.

Q: Can I make individual portions?
A: Yes — divide the filling into ramekins, top with crushed crackers and butter, and reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes depending on dish size.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly after baking?
A: Baked portions can be frozen, but the cracker topping may soften. For best texture, freeze unbaked and bake from thawed.

Conclusion

If you want the original recipe or a quick reference, see the full write-up for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole on Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole | 12 Tomatoes.