Description
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish that combines shredded chicken, creamy soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and buttery crackers into a delicious baked meal. Perfect for a quick family dinner, this casserole requires minimal ingredients and effort while delivering rich flavors and a satisfying crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
Toppings
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve (about 35 crackers) buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Chicken Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth.
- Layer Chicken and Cheese: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top of this layer to add flavor and richness.
- Add Second Chicken Layer and Cheese: Spread the remaining chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Follow by topping with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Prepare and Add Cracker Topping: Crush the buttery crackers into coarse crumbs—some chunks are fine for texture. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly across the top of the casserole to create a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping has turned golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow it to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Be sure to use cooked and shredded chicken for ease and convenience; rotisserie chicken works well.
- If desired, substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade or low-sodium version for a healthier dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions or garlic to the chicken mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, 5 ingredient casserole, easy chicken casserole, baked chicken dish, creamy chicken casserole, quick dinner recipe