Simple, cheesy, and heartwarming — this Southern classic delivers big comfort with minimal fuss.
🥘 Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Yield: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Dietary Badges:
- Family-Friendly
- Comfort Food
- 30-Minute Meal
✅ Ingredients (Quick View)
- Shredded cooked chicken (3 cups)
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz)
- Sour cream (1 cup)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, divided)
- Buttery round crackers (1 sleeve, crushed)
📖 Instructions (Quick View)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 dish.
- In a bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup cheddar until smooth.
- Spread mixture into baking dish.
- Sprinkle crushed crackers evenly over top.
- Add remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
🔑 Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saver.
- Crush crackers finely for a crisp topping, or leave chunky for extra crunch.
- Pairs beautifully with green beans or a simple side salad.
🌟 Introduction
Few things are as comforting as a bubbling casserole straight from the oven — and this Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is the definition of Southern comfort food. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a cheesy, creamy dish that tastes like a hug in every bite.
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and heartiness: tender chicken, creamy sauce, a buttery cracker topping, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a cozy dish on the table fast.
🥄 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
1. Prep the oven & dish
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish so nothing sticks.
2. Mix the filling
Stir chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar together until creamy.
3. Layer the casserole
Spread the filling evenly in your baking dish.
4. Add the topping
Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers over the filling, then finish with more cheddar.
5. Bake & enjoy
Bake uncovered until the topping is golden and casserole edges bubble. Let cool slightly before serving.
🥬 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover roast chicken works beautifully. Turkey can be swapped in too.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: For a homemade alternative, use a quick keto-friendly cream sauce (butter, heavy cream, chicken broth, and a touch of xanthan gum).
- Cheese: Cheddar adds a classic sharpness, but Colby Jack or Monterey Jack also taste great.
- Crackers: Ritz are traditional, but you can sub with gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds for a keto twist.
🍽 Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Veggie Boost: Mix in broccoli, peas, or green beans for a one-dish meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1–2 chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Loaded Style: Top with cooked bacon bits before baking.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with roasted vegetables, collard greens, or a light salad for balance.
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Reheat: Warm in oven at 325°F until heated through.
⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, est. 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 16g
- Fat: 28g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes — assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Q: Can I make it low-carb?
A: Yes — substitute crushed pork rinds for crackers and homemade keto cream sauce for soup.
Q: Can I use other meats?
A: Turkey or ham also work well.
💌 Final Notes
This 5-Ingredient Dolly Parton Casserole is proof that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. With its creamy filling, cheesy top, and buttery crunch, it’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
