DINNER

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Chef Olivia

December 10, 2025
4 min read

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why make this recipe

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is fast, simple, and tasty. It uses common pantry items and cooked chicken. You can make it on a weeknight or for guests. If you like easy casseroles with a crunchy top, try this chicken hashbrown casserole for another simple meal idea.

introduction

This casserole fills a family and takes little work. It has chicken, cream soup, sour cream, and a buttery cracker crust. The dish is creamy inside with a salty, crunchy top. It is a good dish to start with if you want a no-fuss baked meal. For other simple baked dishes, see this easy casserole idea.

how to make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Follow the steps below in plain language. Use cooked shredded chicken. Mix the wet filling, add to a dish, top with buttery crushed crackers, and bake until bubbly. This method is like other simple casseroles such as the crack breakfast casserole, which also uses an easy mix-and-bake approach.

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 :

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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.
Make topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
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.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

how to serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Serve warm. This casserole goes well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes. Cut into squares and plate with a spoonful of salad or a side of steamed broccoli for a quick meal.

how to store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.

tips to make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Crush crackers in a plastic bag with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor.
If you want more sauce, add 1/4 cup milk or chicken broth to the filling.
For a different crunchy top idea, try a recipe like the crazy good casserole for topping inspiration.
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before cutting so it holds shape.

variation (if any)

Add 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables to the filling for color and nutrition.
Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom for a different flavor.
Mix in 1 cup shredded cheese into the filling before baking for extra richness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw and shred it before mixing. Warm the chicken a bit so it blends well.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I use crackers other than buttery rounds?
A: Yes. Ritz-style crackers work best, but saltine or crushed buttery crackers also work. Adjust butter if needed.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15–20 minutes for a small portion. You can also microwave single servings until warm.