Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy families. This simple, hearty casserole combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, and cheesy goodness, topped with buttery cracker crunch for a golden, bubbling finish. It’s a perfect example of easy dinner recipes that deliver on flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The creamy filling melts in your mouth while the crispy topping adds texture, making it a standout for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. This budget-friendly meal is also ideal for beginners who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for anyone seeking healthy cooking at home and simple family recipes that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Quick and simple prep – Only 5 ingredients and minimal steps make this ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-approved comfort food – Shredded chicken, creamy soup, and cheddar cheese are classic flavors kids and adults adore.
• Budget-friendly ingredients – Pantry staples like cream of chicken soup and crackers keep this recipe affordable.
• Perfect for meal prep – Make ahead for easy weeknight dinners or freezer-friendly meal prep recipes.
• Versatile and customizable – Add vegetables, spices, or different cheese blends for personalized flavor.
• Beginner-friendly cooking – Minimal cooking skills required, making this a great entry-level casserole recipe.
Ingredient Breakdown
Shredded Cooked Chicken (3 cups) – The star of the dish, providing protein and hearty texture. Using rotisserie chicken is a quick, budget-friendly option.
Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – Adds creamy richness and moisture, acting as the binding agent for the casserole. Look for low-sodium options for healthier recipes for families.
Sour Cream (1 cup) – Gives a tangy, creamy texture that balances the cheese and soup, ensuring a luscious filling.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1½ cups, divided) – 1 cup blends into the filling for flavor and creaminess; ½ cup tops the casserole for golden, cheesy perfection. Choose the best cheese for cooking for meltability and taste.
Buttery Round Crackers (1 sleeve, crushed) – Creates a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy interior. Optional: use gluten-free crackers for dietary swaps or a lower-carb alternative.
Pro Tips
• Preheat your oven – Ensures even baking and a perfectly golden top.
• Use warm chicken – Slightly warm shredded chicken mixes more evenly with soup and sour cream.
• Crush crackers finely but not to dust – Keeps the topping light and crunchy while holding together during baking.
• Layer cheese and crackers strategically – Spread ½ cup cheese inside and sprinkle crackers with remaining cheese on top for balanced flavor.
• Let casserole rest briefly – Allows the filling to set slightly, making serving easier and maintaining texture.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers for a safe substitution.
• Low-Sodium Version – Opt for reduced-sodium soup and crackers to make this healthier for families.
• Cheese Alternatives – Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a unique flavor profile.
• Vegetable Add-Ins – Fold in cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach for a nutritious twist on classic comfort food.
• Protein Swaps – Use cooked turkey or leftover rotisserie chicken for a budget-friendly substitution.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm straight from the oven, paired with fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also ideal for potlucks or family gatherings; cut into squares and serve on a platter for easy portioning. For a low-carb pairing, serve alongside cauliflower rice or a simple side of sautéed greens. These combinations elevate your casserole into a full meal while keeping it quick and easy, making it one of the best side dishes or healthy meal pairings for busy weeknights.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble it in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking; wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to ensure the casserole is hot and bubbly. These tips make it ideal for best freezer meals, leftover recipe hacks, and healthy lunch prep for families.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole pays homage to Southern comfort food traditions, emphasizing simplicity, warmth, and flavor. Named after the legendary singer, this dish exemplifies the ease and heartwarming appeal of Southern weeknight meals. Chicken casseroles have long been staples in American kitchens for their versatility, affordability, and ability to feed large families. By combining creamy soup, cheese, and crunchy crackers, this recipe modernizes a classic comfort food while keeping it accessible for home cooks everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for meal prep or holiday dinners.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crunchy topping.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
Use reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, low-fat sour cream, or swap half the cheese with part-skim options to reduce calories and sodium.
What substitutions work for allergies or dietary preferences?
Gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers make this safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Dairy-free cheese or sour cream substitutes can also be used.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes well before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers over the top, then add the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbling, and golden brown on top.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
