Short, Catchy Intro

So you want comfort food with zero drama and maximum taste. Same. This Dolly Parton inspired casserole shows up to the party wearing sweatpants and a tiara. It only needs five ingredients, takes almost no time to assemble, and tastes like a warm hug from someone who knows how to cook.

If you get curious and want a slightly different take later, check out the original version for comparison and kitchen gossip. Ready to throw one together and feel like a domestic rock star for an hour or so

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This dish is the culinary equivalent of a cheat code. It hides vegetables, sneaks protein into mouths that might otherwise protest, and still delivers crunchy, buttery goodness on top. It is idiot proof which means even if you forget one step you will probably still end up with something delicious.

It is perfect for nights when you want to feed a small army or when you just want leftovers that taste even better the next day. Want to impress guests with minimal effort What about feeding picky eaters with one pan Doable. FYI this recipe is forgiving and forgiving is my love language.

Also if you are into other hearty casseroles you might enjoy this different twist on a classic comfort bake for inspiration

Ingredients You’ll Need

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
1 stick unsalted butter melted 1 2 cup

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F 175°C. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Do not skip the grease unless you like scraping casserole off of pans.
Mix filling In a large bowl combine the shredded chicken cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth. Use a spoon or your hands if you are feeling dramatic. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Make topping In a separate bowl mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated. The crackers should look buttery and clumpy in the best way.
Assemble Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Pat lightly so crumbs stick but do not turn it into a brick.
Bake Place in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden brown topping. Keep an eye on the color about five minutes before the timer ends.
Serve Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. This lets everything set so it slices nicer and you avoid burning your tongue which is frankly a public health issue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie move. Preheating gives you even cooking and makes the topping get properly golden.
Using soggy crackers Try to crush them fresh so they absorb butter and toast instead of turning limp.
Over mixing the cracker topping If you pulverize it you lose the crunchy texture that makes this casserole fun.
Skimping on butter This is not the time to be noble. The butter is what turns plain crumbs into magic.
Serving straight out of the oven Burnt mouths are not a good look and they ruin the first bite.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Want to switch things up No problem this recipe adapts. Swap the rotisserie chicken for cooked shredded turkey after holiday dinners. Use cream of mushroom soup if you prefer a deeper flavor profile. Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream if you are trying to be slightly healthier but still enjoy creaminess.
For the cracker topping try crushed Ritz substitutes or even buttery panko if you want extra crunch. If you are dairy free use a vegan sour cream and a plant based butter and the dish will still come together nicely. Personally I like the classic version but experimenting keeps dinner interesting.

If you want a meatier, spicier vibe try adding a teaspoon of chili powder or a handful of chopped green chiles. If you want to go green stir a cup of chopped steamed broccoli into the filling before baking. Which swap you try first

FAQ

What if I do not have cooked chicken on hand Can I use canned chicken Sure you can use canned chicken in a pinch. It will work though the texture changes a bit. Shredded rotisserie will still be the most satisfying.
Can I use margarine instead of butter Well technically yes but why hurt your soul like that Margarine can make the topping soggy and it will not brown as nicely.
Can I make this ahead of time Absolutely assemble the casserole up to the point before baking cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours then bake as directed. It is a lifesaver for busy hosts.
How do I get a super crispy top Want extra crisp Add a tiny amount of extra melted butter to the cracker mix and toast the top under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end Watch carefully or you will go from golden to charred in a blink.
Is this freezer friendly You bet Assemble and freeze unbaked in a freezer safe dish for up to 3 months Thaw overnight in the fridge then bake as usual.
Can I add vegetables Yes add a cup or two of cooked veggies like peas carrots or broccoli Just fold them into the filling before adding the cracker topping.
How many does this serve Typically this feeds about 6 depending on portion size Great for crowd pleasing comfort food nights.

Final Thoughts

This casserole is basically the culinary definition of low effort high reward. You get creamy savory filling with a buttery crunchy top all without sweating over complicated steps. Love that. Make it for weeknight dinners potlucks or those days when you want to feel like you did something impressive without actually doing that much work.
Remember to let it rest a few minutes before serving and do not be shy with the butter. Go impress someone or just treat yourself Either way you win.

Conclusion

If you want a quick reference to the version that inspired this recipe check out Dolly Partons 5 Ingredient Casserole on 12 Tomatoes for extra photos and background.

Dolly Parton Inspired Casserole

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and crunchy casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

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
1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth. Spread evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
Place in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly with a golden brown topping.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For variations, you can use cooked shredded turkey instead of chicken, cream of mushroom soup, or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can add cooked veggies for extra nutrients.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, chicken recipe, potluck

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole