Introduction

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With tender chicken, creamy soup, and a crispy buttery cracker topping, it’s both easy and delicious.

A close-up image of a baked macaroni and cheese dish inside a white baking dish. The top layer is a golden brown, crispy breadcrumb crust sprinkled with small green herb bits. Underneath, there is a creamy, smooth cheese sauce mixed with macaroni that looks rich and gooey. The spoon lifting a portion shows melted stretchy cheese pulling away in long strands, with the creamy pasta mixture beneath the crunchy top. The dish is set against a soft white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until the crackers are evenly 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 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Step 6: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or canned tuna for a different twist.
For added flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese between the chicken layer and cracker topping.
Use flavored crackers like herb or garlic butter varieties to enhance the topping’s taste.
If you prefer a lighter version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

A white oval dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a thick layer of golden brown crunchy breadcrumbs with bits of green herbs sprinkled on top, showing small browned peaks all over; underneath the crunchy top is a gooey melted cheese layer covering pasta, visible where a wooden spoon lifts a portion revealing soft, yellowish macaroni mixed with creamy white cheese sauce. The dish sits on a wooden board over a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of buttery crackers?

If you don’t have buttery crackers, crushed pretzels or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter make a great crunchy topping substitute.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy soup and sour cream, topped with buttery crushed crackers, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, delivering rich flavors with minimal ingredients and effort.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and well incorporated. Spread this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed buttery round crackers with the melted unsalted butter until each cracker crumb is coated thoroughly to create a rich, crunchy topping.
Assemble Casserole: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer for even baking and crispiness.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown color.
Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy a creamy, flavorful dish.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and low-sodium soup.
Try substituting buttery crackers with breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for different textures.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, 5 ingredient casserole, chicken casserole, easy chicken bake, creamy chicken casserole, buttery cracker topping