Why Make This Recipe
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a delicious and easy dish perfect for any meal. With only five ingredients, you can whip it up in no time. It’s great for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without much fuss. Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves you time while still delivering fantastic flavor.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
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
Directions
- 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 this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, with a golden-brown topping.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Serve the casserole warm. It pairs well with a simple salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish is filling on its own, but a slice of bread or some garlic bread makes a nice side.
How to Store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
After serving, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it before baking; just cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- For extra flavor, you can add some garlic powder or onion powder to the chicken mixture.
- If you like a little crunch, try adding some chopped celery or bell peppers to the chicken mix.
- Make sure to let the casserole cool slightly before serving to avoid burns.
Variation
If you’d like a different twist, consider swapping the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup. You can also use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a holiday version.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken breast or thighs. Just make sure it’s shredded and cooked through.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the buttery round crackers. You can substitute gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-friendly.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- 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 this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, with a golden-brown topping.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.