You know those nights when you're staring into the fridge, willing dinner to magically assemble itself? Yeah, me too. That's exactly how I stumbled upon Dolly Parton's 5-Ingredient Casserole—a lifesaver disguised as comfort food. I swear, the first time I made it, my family acted like I'd pulled off some culinary miracle, when really all I did was dump five things in a dish and bake it. Classic Dolly magic.
This casserole is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug—simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up. Whether you're feeding picky kids, hosting a last-minute potluck, or just craving something cozy without the fuss, this dish delivers every time. And let's be honest, anything with Dolly's name on it has to be good, right? The woman knows her way around joy, and this casserole is no exception. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a little extra love on your plate.
Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Listen, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of chaotic kitchen adventures, it’s that the best recipes are the ones that don’t make you sweat. And this casserole? It’s basically the MVP of easy, delicious meals. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Five ingredients. Seriously. No hunting for obscure spices or making three grocery runs. If you’ve got chicken, soup, sour cream, cheese, and crackers, you’re golden.
- Rotisserie chicken is your BFF. Skip the extra step of cooking chicken—just shred that store-bought bird and call it a day. Weeknight dinner hero move.
- Crowd-pleaser magic. Picky kids, hungry partners, that friend who “doesn’t really like casseroles” (we all know one)? They’ll all go back for seconds. It’s creamy, crunchy, and just plain comforting.
- Prep is a joke it’s so easy. Mix, dump, sprinkle, bake. You’re basically done before the oven finishes preheating.
- Leftovers taste even better. If by some miracle there’s any left, it reheats like a dream. Lunch tomorrow? Solved.
- Dolly-approved joy. Anything with her name on it is bound to be full of love—and this dish is no exception. It’s like a little slice of Tennessee happiness in every bite.
Trust me, this casserole will become your new “I don’t have time but I still want to eat like a hero” go-to. And isn’t that what we all need?
Ingredients You’ll Need for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Okay, grab your grocery list—or better yet, just peek in your pantry, because you probably have most of this already. Here’s the lineup for this ridiculously easy casserole:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (A rotisserie chicken is your best friend here—shred it while it’s still warm and juicy. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, poach some chicken breasts, but no judgment if you take the shortcut.)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (That classic Campbell’s can works perfectly. Don’t drain it—just glop it right in.)
- 1 cup sour cream (Full-fat is my go-to for extra creaminess, but light works in a pinch. Just don’t tell Dolly I said that.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but any melty cheese you’ve got will do. Monterey Jack? Sure. Colby? Go for it.)
- 1 package buttery crackers (Ritz crackers are the MVP here—their buttery crunch is *chef’s kiss*. Crush them right in the sleeve to save a bowl.)
- Optional: A sprinkle of black pepper or dried parsley (For that “I totally planned this garnish” look. Totally optional, but it’s the little things, right?)
That’s it! No weird ingredients, no last-minute trips to the store. Just five simple things (okay, six if you count the garnish) and you’re on your way to comfort food heaven.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Alright, let’s get this show on the road! I promise, if you can stir and sprinkle, you’ve got this. Here’s how to whip up this magical casserole in no time:
Preheat and Prep
First things first—crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). No need to wait for it to preheat before you start mixing, though. Multitasking for the win! While the oven’s warming up, grab a big mixing bowl and a 9x13-inch baking dish. No need to grease it—this bad boy won't stick, thanks to all that creamy goodness.
Combine the Base
Dump your shredded chicken into the bowl. If you’re using rotisserie chicken (smart move), make sure to pick out any rogue bones or weird bits of skin. Now, plop in the whole can of cream of chicken soup—no diluting, no draining, just straight from the can. Add the sour cream and shredded cheese, and give it all a good stir until it’s evenly mixed. It’ll look like a gloriously gloppy mess, and that’s exactly what you want. Taste it if you’re feeling brave—it’s already delicious raw, but trust me, it gets even better baked.
Assemble and Bake
Pour that creamy chicken mixture into your baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now, the fun part: take your sleeve of crackers and crush them right in the package (no extra bowl to wash—you’re welcome). Sprinkle those buttery crumbs all over the top like you’re decorating a cake. Don’t be shy—the more, the merrier! Pop it in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like heaven.
Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, dust the top with a little black pepper or dried parsley for color. But let’s be real—it’s gonna disappear too fast for anyone to notice. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before diving in (unless you enjoy molten lava burns on your tongue—no judgment). Scoop it onto plates and watch it vanish. Pro tip: serve with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to pretend you’re being healthy. But let’s be honest, everyone’s just here for the casserole.
Delicious Variations of Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
One of the best things about this casserole? It’s basically a blank canvas for your cravings. Don’t have chicken? No problem. Want to sneak in some veggies? Go for it. Here are some of my favorite twists to keep things interesting:
- Turkey swap: Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works like a charm here. Just shred it up and pretend you planned it all along.
- Greek yogurt hack: Out of sour cream? Plain Greek yogurt adds the same tang with a protein boost. Your thighs will thank you.
- Soup switcheroo: Cream of mushroom or celery soup adds a different flavor vibe. Mushroom lovers, this one’s for you.
- Cheese please: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a little kick, or go fancy with gruyère if you’re feeling ~sophisticated~.
- Crunch alternatives: Gluten-free? Use gluten-free crackers or even crushed pork rinds for that perfect crispy top.
- Veggie boost: Stir in some thawed frozen peas or diced sautéed onions if you want to pretend it’s health food.
The moral of the story? Make it yours. Dolly would approve of a little creative rebellion.
Serving and Storage Tips for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Hot out of the oven, this casserole is pure gold—but let’s talk leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any). Here’s how to keep the magic going:
- Serving: Let it sit for 5 minutes after baking—those creamy layers need a sec to set. Perfect with a crisp salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness.
- Fridge life: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat servings in the microwave (1-2 minutes) or oven (15 minutes at 350°F) until piping hot.
- Freezer hack: Assemble unbaked, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen (add 15-20 extra minutes). No thawing needed—because who remembers to do that anyway?
Pro tip: The cracker topping loses some crunch after refrigeration, so sprinkle a few fresh crumbs on reheated portions for that just-baked vibe.
Helpful Notes for Perfecting Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Here’s the inside scoop to make this casserole *your* signature dish:
- Season to your soul’s content: The soup and cheese add salt, but if you’re a pepper fiend (guilty), add a few cranks of fresh black pepper to the mix. A pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika? Yes, please.
- Rotisserie chicken pro tip: Shred it while warm—the meat falls apart easier. Save the carcass for stock if you’re feeling thrifty like Dolly herself.
- Nutrition nudge: Using light sour cream and low-sodium soup cuts calories without sacrificing flavor. Or don’t—life’s short, eat the good cheese.
- Crispiness hack: For extra golden topping, broil for the last 2 minutes (but watch it like a hawk—crackers burn fast!).
Remember: perfection is overrated. Messy, cheesy, and delicious is the goal here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here’s what folks ask me most about this lifesaving casserole:
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Just cook 2 boneless breasts (or thighs) in simmering water for 15 minutes, then shred. But honestly? Rotisserie chicken is the lazy cook’s secret weapon—no shame in that game. - How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3 days if you can resist eating it all. Store it covered—those crackers will soak up fridge smells faster than you’d think. - Can I freeze it?
You bet! Freeze before baking for best results (add 15-20 extra minutes when cooking from frozen). Already baked? It’ll be slightly mushier but still tasty. - What if I don’t have Ritz crackers?
Any buttery cracker works—Saltines, Town House, even crushed potato chips in a pinch. Get creative! - Is this gluten-free adaptable?
Yep! Swap the soup for gluten-free cream of chicken and use GF crackers. Easy peasy.
Still stumped? Toss me another question—I love talking about this casserole almost as much as I love eating it.
Final Thoughts on Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
If there’s one recipe that proves good food doesn’t have to be complicated, it’s this one. Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is the ultimate proof that simple ingredients, a little love, and a whole lot of cheese can create something truly magical. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first bite—and you’ll be grinning because you know just how easy it was to make. So go ahead, give it a try tonight. Trust me, your future self (and your hungry crew) will thank you. Now, who’s ready to eat?
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Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Comfort Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and comforting casserole with only five ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package buttery crackers, crushed (such as Ritz crackers)
- (Optional) A sprinkle of black pepper or dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed crackers on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- (Optional) Garnish with black pepper or dried parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Dolly Parton, easy casserole, 5-ingredient recipe, comfort food
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