Dolly Parton’s Quick 5-Ingredient Comfort Casserole

You know those nights when you just need something easy, cozy, and ridiculously delicious? That’s exactly why I fell in love with Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole the first time I made it. I was knee-deep in laundry, the kids were hangry, and takeout wasn’t in the budget—then this lifesaver walked into my kitchen. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery cracker crumbs, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug on a plate.

What I love most is how forgiving it is. No fancy techniques, no weird ingredients—just five simple things you probably already have in your pantry. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll save your sanity on a chaotic weeknight but still tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. Perfect for potlucks, too—trust me, it disappears fast!

Why You’ll Love Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Listen, I know what it’s like to stare into the fridge at 5 p.m. with zero inspiration. That’s why this casserole is my go-to—it’s the ultimate "throw it together and pretend you planned it" meal. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

Quick and Easy for Busy Days

Five ingredients. One bowl. Thirty minutes. Need I say more? You don’t even have to cook the chicken if you grab a rotisserie one (no shame—Dolly would approve). It’s the perfect "I forgot to meal prep but still want something homemade" solution. Even my kid can assemble this, and she once tried to microwave a spoon.

Comfort Food at Its Best

That first bite? Pure nostalgia. The creamy soup and sour cream melt into the chicken, the cheese gets all gooey, and the cracker topping crisps up like a buttery golden blanket. It’s like the casserole version of your favorite cozy sweater—simple, warm, and impossible to resist. Plus, it makes the whole house smell like Sunday supper at grandma’s.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Okay, let’s talk ingredients—this is where the magic starts. I promise you won’t need to hunt down anything fancy. Half of these are probably already in your fridge or pantry right now! Here’s what you’ll grab:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – A rotisserie chicken is my lazy-day hero here. Just shred it up and you’re golden (literally—have you seen how pretty it gets when baked?).
• 1 can cream of chicken soup – Don’t overthink it, just grab the classic condensed kind. It’s the glue that holds this cozy masterpiece together.
• 1 cup sour cream – Full-fat for maximum creaminess, but light works in a pinch. This is what gives it that tangy richness you’ll crave.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The sharper, the better in my opinion. Pre-shredded is fine, but if you’ve got a block, freshly grated melts like a dream.
• 1 package buttery crackers (like Ritz) – Crush ’em right in the bag to save dishes. That salty, buttery topping? *Chef’s kiss*.
• (Optional) A sprinkle of black pepper or dried parsley – Just for looks, but hey, we eat with our eyes first!

See? Told you it was simple. Now go raid your kitchen—I bet you’re closer to dinner than you think!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this ridiculously easy casserole! I promise, even if you’re not a kitchen pro, you’ve got this. Just follow these steps, and in no time, you’ll be scooping out creamy, cheesy goodness.

Preheat and Prep

First things first, crank that oven to 350°F—no fancy temps here. While it’s heating up, grab your ingredients and a 9x13-inch baking dish (or whatever you’ve got—it’s forgiving). If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, now’s the time to shred it. Pro tip: Use two forks or just your hands—it’s oddly therapeutic.

Mix and Layer

Dump your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream into a big bowl. Stir it all together until it’s one happy, creamy family. No need to be gentle—just mix it well so every bite is packed with flavor. Then, spread this glorious mixture evenly into your baking dish. Sprinkle that cheddar cheese on top like you’re decorating a cake—no skimping!

Now, the fun part: Take your buttery crackers and crush them. You can do this right in the bag (less mess!) or toss them in a zip-top bag and go to town with a rolling pin. Sprinkle those golden crumbs over the cheese like you’re sprinkling fairy dust—this is what makes the magic happen.

Bake to Perfection

Pop that beauty into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling like a happy little volcano and the cracker topping is golden brown. If you’re feeling fancy, you can broil it for the last minute or two for extra crispiness—just don’t walk away! Ovens have a sneaky way of turning golden into "uh-oh" real quick.

Let it sit for a hot minute (literally, like 5 minutes) before serving. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait—those layers need a sec to settle into maximum deliciousness. Then? Dig in and watch the compliments roll in!

Variations for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Listen, rules were made to be broken—especially in the kitchen! This casserole is like a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative. Here are a few twists I’ve tried (and loved):

• Swap the protein: Not a chicken fan? Use leftover turkey, cooked ground beef, or even canned tuna (yes, really—it’s surprisingly good!).
• Change up the soup: Cream of mushroom or celery soup works just as well if that’s what’s in your pantry.
• Gluten-free? No problem: Use gluten-free crackers and a GF cream soup—bonus points if they’re the "everything but the kitchen sink" flavored ones.
• Add some veggies: Toss in a cup of frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped spinach for a sneaky nutrient boost.
• Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning? Oh yeah, we’re living dangerously now.

The beauty of this recipe? It’s basically foolproof. So go ahead—make it your own!

Serving and Storage Tips for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

This casserole is best served hot and bubbly right out of the oven—just scoop it onto plates and watch everyone dive in. But let’s be real, leftovers are half the magic! Here’s how to keep the cozy vibes going:

• Fridge storage: Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay good for 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Pro tip: Sprinkle a few fresh cracker crumbs on top before reheating to revive that crispy texture.
• Freezing: Assemble but don’t bake—wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed (add 5-10 extra minutes if it’s still chilly).

P.S. Leftovers taste even better the next day—the flavors really cozy up to each other. Not that I’ve ever eaten it cold straight from the fridge at midnight… or have I?

Helpful Notes for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

A few extra tidbits to make your casserole life even easier:

• Rotisserie chicken is your friend: Seriously, it saves so much time—just shred and go. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works great too.
• Lighter version? Swap in low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup if you’re watching calories. It’ll still taste cozy.
• No crackers? Crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter make a tasty stand-in.
• Doubling up? This recipe scales beautifully—just use two baking dishes or a bigger pan (adjust bake time by 5-10 minutes).

Oh, and if you’re wondering—yes, it’s totally fine to lick the spoon after mixing. I won’t tell!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I hear most often—along with my very honest, totally un-fancy replies:

1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked?

Technically yes, but you’ll need to cook and shred it first. Raw chicken won’t cook through properly in the bake time—trust me, I learned the hard way!

2. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

No sweat! Cream of mushroom or celery soup works great. In a pinch, mix 1 cup milk with 2 tablespoon flour and a chicken bouillon cube—simmer until thickened.

3. Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Freeze baked portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat covered with foil (add fresh crackers on top for crunch).

4. Is there a dairy-free version?

Yep! Use vegan sour cream, dairy-free cheese, and cream of mushroom soup (check labels). For the topping, crushed potato chips are *chef’s kiss*.

5. Why isn’t my topping crispy?

Probably needed more bake time—ovens vary! Next time, broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely!). Also, don’t skimp on the butteriness—full-fat crackers crisp best.

Still stumped? Drop me a comment—I’ve made this so many times, I could probably do it in my sleep!

Final Thoughts on Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

If there’s one recipe I’d trust to save a chaotic weeknight, impress a potluck crowd, or just satisfy a serious comfort food craving, it’s this one. Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is proof that the simplest things often taste the best—no fancy skills required. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family. So next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, remember: five ingredients, one dish, and zero stress. Now go forth and bake up some cozy magic—I promise you won’t regret it!

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