Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole

This Dolly Parton 5—Ingredient Casserole is pure comfort baked in one dish and makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Relying on pantry staples and just five core ingredients it brings creamy cheesy nostalgia that reminds me of potlucks and Sunday suppers. I make this anytime I need food that feels like a warm hug especially when life gets busy and everyone in the house needs something easy and satisfying.

I first made this when my friend handed me leftover rotisserie chicken and we needed dinner on the table in under an hour. Now my family lights up when they smell it baking— a true comfort classic I keep on rotation.

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken: looks for juicy rotisserie or poach chicken breasts for a tender base
• Cream of chicken soup: choose a quality brand for rich thick flavor
• Sour cream: adds creaminess and just the right tang creamy full fat is my pick
• Shredded cheddar cheese: find block cheese for best melting and sharp flavor
• Buttery crackers: crushed Ritz are classic but any rich buttery crackers will work
• Optional: black pepper or dried parsley gives a touch of color and extra flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to a true 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure an even bake. Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or spray so nothing sticks and you get those perfectly crispy edges.

Mix the Filling:

Combine shredded chicken cream of chicken soup sour cream and cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Stir well with a sturdy spoon or spatula so everything is evenly coated and creamy with no clumps of unmixed soup or cheese.

Assemble the Casserole:

Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into your greased dish. Use the back of your spoon to smooth the top so the topping bakes up golden and uniform.

Add the Cracker Topping:

Crush your buttery crackers in a ziptop bag using a rolling pin or your hands for even crumbs. Sprinkle these evenly over the entire surface ensuring the top is covered for great crunch.

Bake Until Golden:

Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for between twenty five and thirty minutes. Watch for bubbling edges and a golden brown top this signals that the casserole’s center is hot and creamy while the top is crisp.

Let It Rest:

Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for five to ten minutes before slicing. This helps the casserole set up and makes serving cleaner and easier.

I am always amazed at how the cracker topping steals the show. My kids love helping crush and sprinkle them and it brings back memories of helping my own grandmother in her kitchen as the smells of melted cheese meant something cozy was on the way.

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely before you cover and refrigerate it. Leftovers last up to four days tightly wrapped in foil or stored in an airtight container. For reheating warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a moderate oven to keep the top crunchy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have rotisserie chicken any cooked shredded turkey works great. To liven it up try pepper jack cheese or use cream of mushroom soup for a subtle earthy note. Gluten free crackers and soup easily transform this recipe for special diets making it just as comforting without wheat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with something green and fresh. A simple salad or steamed green beans balances the richness. For heartier appetites try with mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls these soak up that delicious creamy sauce beautifully.

This simple casserole is a reliable weeknight winner and a great dish to bring to potlucks.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, cooked turkey works just as well and blends nicely with the creamy ingredients for a hearty result.

→ How do I prevent the cracker topping from getting soggy?

Sprinkle the crushed crackers just before baking and avoid covering the dish during baking to keep the topping crisp and golden.

→ Can this dish be prepared in advance?

Absolutely, you can assemble and refrigerate it up to one day ahead. Add the cracker topping right before baking to maintain crispness.

→ What are some good variations for this casserole?

Try adding peas or carrots, swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese, or sprinkling cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.

→ Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, assemble without the cracker topping, freeze, and add crackers just before baking. Thaw overnight for best results.

→ What side dishes complement this casserole well?

Serve with crisp green salads, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or warm bread rolls to balance the rich flavors.