Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Craving Comfort Food?
Is there anything better than the warm, creamy goodness of a homemade casserole? If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that comes together with just five ingredients, you’re in for a treat! This recipe is not only super quick to whip up, but it also brings that cozy home-cooked feel with every bite — think of it as a hug on a plate. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze — who doesn’t love that?
Why Make This Recipe
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole has got it all:
- Simplicity: With just five ingredients, you can whip this up faster than you can say "Jolene."
- Kid Approved: This delightful dish will have your little ones asking for seconds and maybe even thirds (sorry, not sorry).
- Budget-Friendly: You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make a dinner everyone will love.
Who needs gourmet when you can have cozy?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Grab:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great for those extra lazy days)
- 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
Let’s break this down into easy-peasy steps:
- Preheat the oven: Get that oven warming up to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, the sooner the better!
- Prepare your dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep things from sticking.
- Mix your filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until it’s nice and smooth.
- Spread it out: Transfer the filling evenly into your prepared baking dish.
- Create the topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until they’re well coated.
- Time to assemble: Sprinkle that buttery cracker mixture evenly over your chicken layer.
- Bake away: Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and has that perfect golden-brown topping.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before diving in. Your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole (Overview)
Picture this: You’re just a few simple steps away from a satisfying dish that everyone will rave about. Start by mixing your casserole filling, then spread it into a greased baking dish. As the butter-soaked crackers work their magic in the oven, your kitchen fills with an enticing aroma. Pro tip: Let it cool a bit before serving; trust me, no one wants to be the person who burns their mouth.
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
This casserole is a star on its own but becomes even better with a few creative pairings. Try serving it alongside:
- A fresh garden salad for that crunchy contrast.
- Some steamed veggies to brighten up the plate.
- A glass of iced tea or your favorite beverage — who can say no to that?
Imagine digging into a warm, cheesy piece, hearing the crunch of buttery crackers. Heaven! 😋
How to Store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole will stay good in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly. If you want to freeze it, it’ll hold up well for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the oven at 350°F until it’s warmed through!
Tips to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ready to elevate this dish? Here are some handy tips:
- Chicken Swap: Use turkey or even a plant-based chicken substitute for a twist!
- Make it Creamier: Add a bit of shredded cheese to the filling — because cheese fixes everything, right?
- Short on Time? Use frozen pre-cooked chicken to speed things up.
Keep having fun in the kitchen — it’s your masterpiece!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? How about adding some broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition? You could also play with flavors using cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken for a different twist.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, cover it tightly, and stick it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready!
2. What if I don’t have sour cream?
No worries! Greek yogurt works in a pinch and adds a lovely tang.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yep! Store in an airtight container, and it’ll last up to three months. Just reheat when you’re ready for another yummy meal.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream, stirring until smooth.
- Transfer the filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter until well coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden-brown.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.






