Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

I like to make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole when I need a quick dinner. I first tried it on a busy weeknight. It fit the time I had and the pantry items I had. I kept the recipe because it feeds a family and it tastes good. The recipe uses simple things and gives a warm, cheesy meal fast.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole became my go-to for easy nights. I make it when I want a full dish that needs little work. It works for a weeknight meal, a small party, or when friends drop by. I can swap bits and still keep the same idea. The dish costs little and cooks fast. It also cleans up fast, so I use it a lot at home.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple chicken bake. It mixes cooked chicken with a creamy base. It uses a cracker topping that gets brown and crisp. The taste is mild and savory. The filling is creamy and rich. The top adds a buttery crunch. People often make this for quick dinners. Families like it for its ease and mild taste. It works well with plain sides like salad or steamed veg. If you want a sweet breakfast or a different bake idea, see a basic croissant breakfast dish like this croissant casserole for other easy ideas.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe for fast dinners. It takes little prep time. You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie bird. The mix cooks in one pan. The dish gives creamy flavor and a crisp top. It fills a crowd without fuss. It is cheaper than takeout. The recipe does not need fancy tools. You only need a bowl and a baking pan. It fits busy schedules and small kitchens. If you like other simple casseroles, check a plain breakfast bake for more easy ideas at this breakfast casserole.

how to make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

The plan is simple. You mix the cooked chicken with the soup and sour cream to make the filling. You press the mix into a greased baking dish. Then you make the cracker mix with melted butter. You spread the cracker mix on top of the chicken layer. The oven bakes the dish until it is hot and the top is golden brown. After baking, you let it sit a bit so the filling firms up. Expect a smooth and hot center and a crisp, buttery top. The steps flow in order: mix, layer, top, bake, rest. This helps the dish hold its shape and cut well.

Ingredients :

• 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

These ingredients are simple and easy to find. The cooked chicken gives the main protein and texture. A rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. The cream of chicken soup adds salt and body. The sour cream makes the filling smooth and rich. The crackers give a quick crunchy top. Melted butter helps the crumbs brown and crisp. You can use store crackers or crush them at home in a bag. Keep the item list short to keep the dish quick.

Directions :

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. 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.
3. Make topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
4. Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
5. 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.
6. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Preheat warms the oven so the dish cooks well. Greasing the pan keeps it from sticking. Mixing the filling makes a smooth layer. Spread it flat so the topping cooks evenly. Coating crackers with butter helps them turn golden and crisp. A crunchy top gives a nice contrast to the creamy base. Baking melts the sour cream into the soup and warms the chicken. Letting the dish rest helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Check the middle to be sure it is hot. If the top browns too fast, cover lightly with foil for the last minutes.

how to serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Serve the casserole in simple ways. Cut into squares and place on plates. Add a green salad on the side for a fresh bite. Steamed or roasted vegetables also work well. Serve with plain rice or mashed potatoes for a fuller meal. For a lighter plate, spoon the casserole over a bed of greens. For kids, you can serve it with carrot sticks or apples. Use simple bowls or plates. Let guests help themselves family style. If you want a heartier plate, add bread or rolls. For a change, serve it with a small bowl of soup and a slice of toast. For more chicken bake ideas, you can look at this chicken pot pie casserole for sides and pairings.

how to store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Cool the casserole before you store it. Put leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or microwave. In the oven, cover and heat at 350°F until hot. In the microwave, heat in short bursts and stir if you can. For longer storage, freeze the casserole. Wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. If you freeze raw before baking, add a few minutes to the bake time when you cook it from frozen.

tips to make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Use cooked chicken that is not too wet. Pat it dry if needed. Crush crackers well so the topping is even. Melt butter fully and mix it into the crumbs. Spread the crumbs in a thin layer so they brown well. If your topping is soggy, bake a few extra minutes. If the top browns too fast, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes. Use low-sodium soup if you watch salt. Taste the chicken first and add a little pepper if you wish. Do not skip the rest time after baking. It helps the casserole set and the slices hold.

variation

You can change small things to suit your taste. Swap the chicken for turkey or leftover ham. Use crushed potato chips instead of crackers for a saltier top. Add a cup of frozen peas or corn to the filling for more veg. Mix in a little shredded cheese for a richer taste. Use plain yogurt in place of sour cream in a pinch. If you want more spice, add a dash of paprika or a bit of chopped green onion on top. These swaps keep the dish easy but give it new flavor. The core idea stays the same: a creamy filling and a crunchy buttered top.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Shred cooked chicken and use the same amount. It works fine.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble and cover in the fridge. Bake within 24 hours. You can also freeze raw for later.

Q: Can I use a different soup?
A: Yes. Cream of mushroom or celery will work. The flavor will change a bit.

Q: Is this dish good for kids?
A: Yes. The mild taste and soft filling are kid friendly. The crunchy top adds fun texture.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Use the oven for best texture or microwave for speed. Reheat until warm in the center.

Conclusion

If you want to see the original idea or read more notes, this page on Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole | 12 Tomatoes has a good write-up. For another view and more tips, try Dolly Parton’s Easy 5-Ingredient Casserole Is 5 Layers of Comfort ….

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