Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole is a simple chicken dinner made with shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers. Everything goes into one baking dish, making this an easy meal when you want something warm and filling without a long ingredient list.
The creamy chicken filling is layered with cheddar and finished with crushed butter crackers. After baking, the casserole is bubbling around the edges with a golden, crisp topping.
What Makes This Recipe Worth Trying
- Only Five Main Ingredients: The recipe keeps things simple with a short grocery list.
- Quick Prep: The filling comes together in just a few minutes.
- One-Dish Meal: Everything is assembled in one baking dish for less cleanup.
- Uses Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works well here.
- Family-Style Dinner: Six servings make this a practical choice for dinner.
- Easy to Assemble: There are only a few layers before the casserole goes into the oven.
Ingredient Notes & Easy Substitutions
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken, or rotisserie chicken. Shred it into bite-sized pieces so it mixes evenly with the creamy ingredients.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the base of the casserole filling and adds moisture. Use a standard 10.5-ounce can for the intended consistency.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream adds richness and a slight tang that keeps the filling from tasting too heavy.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar can be used depending on how strong you want the cheese flavor.
- Butter Crackers: Crushed butter crackers create the crisp topping. Crush them into small pieces rather than a fine powder so the topping retains some texture.
Chef’s Tip: Crush the crackers just before assembling the casserole and leave some small pieces intact. They create a better contrast with the creamy chicken filling as they bake.
Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole Recipe
This Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole combines shredded chicken, creamy soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and buttery cracker crumbs in one simple bake. It comes together quickly and bakes until the filling is bubbling and the cracker topping is golden and crisp.
Equipment
- 9-inch square baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve butter crackers crushed
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, stir together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until evenly combined.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar over the top.
- Add the remaining chicken mixture and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, then finish with the crushed butter crackers.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving based on 6 servings. Actual values can vary depending on the chicken, soup, cheese, sour cream, and crackers used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 475 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Chicken: Keep the chicken amount at 3 cups so the creamy mixture stays balanced.
- Uneven Layers: Spread each chicken layer evenly so the cheese is distributed throughout the casserole.
- Crushing Crackers Too Finely: Small pieces give the topping more texture than cracker crumbs that resemble flour.
- Overbaking: The casserole only needs about 30 minutes. Leaving it in too long can dry out the filling.
- Skipping the Rest: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes so the filling settles before serving.
- Starting With a Cold Oven: Make sure the oven has reached 350°F before placing the casserole inside.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Broccoli Addition: Add cooked chopped broccoli to the chicken mixture for extra vegetables.
- Ranch Version: Add a little ranch seasoning to the filling for a different flavor.
- Spicy Chicken: Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Mixed Vegetables: Add peas, corn, or finely chopped carrots.
- Cheese Blend: Combine cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Herb Addition: Add chopped parsley, thyme, or chives to the filling.
- Crunchy Topping: Mix the crushed crackers with a little shredded Parmesan before adding them to the top.
More Comfort Food Recipes to Try
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf
- BBQ Chicken Thighs Crockpot
- Fall Chicken Stew
- Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Sage Butter
- Autumn Root Vegetable Casserole
Best Ways to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Individual Portions: Divide leftovers into smaller containers for convenient meals.
- Keep Covered: Cover the casserole tightly if storing it in the original baking dish.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Freshness Tip: Store the casserole with the cracker topping intact to preserve as much texture as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option as long as the meat is shredded before adding it to the mixture. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes. Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella can be used, although cheddar gives the casserole its familiar flavor. - Can I make this casserole with turkey?
Yes. Cooked shredded turkey can replace the chicken in the same quantity. - Why is my casserole watery?
Excess moisture can come from very wet chicken or ingredients that contain more liquid than expected. Drain any excess liquid from the chicken before mixing. - Can I use crushed crackers from another brand?
Yes. Any buttery-style crackers can be used for the topping. - How do I get an evenly browned cracker topping?
Spread the crushed crackers across the entire surface in an even layer rather than leaving thick piles in certain areas. - Can I use reduced-fat sour cream?
Yes, although the texture may be slightly less rich than when using regular sour cream.
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The Freshman Cook started as a place to keep track of recipes I wanted to make again. Somewhere along the way, it grew into a collection of meals that friends requested, desserts that disappeared too quickly, and weeknight dinners that made life a little easier.
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