Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
A Cozy Dinner That Hits the Spot
Ever craved a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort like your grandma’s hug? Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole does just that! This one-pan wonder is creamy, cheesy, and downright delicious, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal fuss, you can whip up a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds)!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you dive into this casserole delight? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and a total lifesaver when you have a hungry family to feed. Who doesn’t love dishes that please both the taste buds and the wallet? And let’s be honest, anything with melted butter and topped with crispy crackers screams comfort food!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole (Overview)
Let’s break it down! First, you’re going to preheat that oven, setting the stage for magic. Next, mix your filling ingredients and spread it into your baking dish—it’s like painting, but way more delicious. Then, prepare your cracker topping; this step is key for that satisfying crunch! Assemble everything, pop it in the oven, and in a mere 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a bubbly masterpiece. Pro tip: keep an eye on that topping for the perfect golden color—nobody likes a sad soggy cracker!
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ready to impress? Serve this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a crisp green salad to balance out the creaminess, and enjoy the crunchy topping paired with the creamy filling. As it comes straight out of the oven, the aroma will fill your home, making everyone wonder what heavenly delight is cooking. Trust me, it’ll be gone before you know it!
How to Store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Planning ahead? This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. Want to make it ahead? Assemble everything and cover it tightly, popping it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. For long-term storage, freeze it for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake it as usual to bring back the bubbly goodness.
Tips to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- Timing is everything: Make sure everything’s ready to go before you preheat the oven.
- Ingredient swaps: Try using leftover turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday treat.
- Texture boost: For added crunch, mix in some chopped nuts with the cracker topping.
- Herb it up: Toss in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor kick.
- Cheddar love: Mixing in some shredded cheese into the filling makes it extra gooey. Yum!
Variation
Want to mix things up? Go for a southwest vibe by adding black beans and corn, and swapping the cream of chicken for cream of mushroom. For a vegan twist, use chickpeas instead of chicken, a plant-based cream soup, and vegan sour cream. The beauty of this casserole is that it adapts effortlessly to whatever flavors you crave!
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Just cook and shred it beforehand.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or microwave a portion for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes! Just cover it well and bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Place in the oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
