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When you want a rich cozy dinner without fuss or a pile of dishes Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole is one of the easiest hits you can make This dish wraps chicken and cheddar in a creamy base and crunchy topping that always disappears by the end of family night
This is my go to dinner when friends pop by on a weeknight and I need something that feels homemade and special without hours at the stove The first time I served this my neighbor joked it tasted like a cross between Sunday brunch and Thanksgiving
Ingredients
- Shredded cooked chicken: You can use leftover roast or rotisserie picking pieces with a good balance of white and dark meat for moisture
- Cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy glue that ties everything together Look for a low sodium variety if you want to control salt
- Sour cream: Adds cool tang and keeps everything from drying out Full fat versions work best for extra richness
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor but any cheddar works Grate it yourself for best melt
- Buttery round crackers like Ritz: These create the signature crunchy golden topping Freshness is key so choose a sleeve that feels crisp and not crumbly
Instructions
- Prepare The Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius and grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with softened butter or spray Getting this step done first ensures your casserole does not stick
- Mix The Base:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the shredded chicken cream of chicken soup sour cream and one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese Stir slowly and thoroughly making sure the sour cream incorporates fully and there are no unmixed patches This creamy mixture is the heart of your casserole and should be uniform and thick
- Spread In The Dish:
- Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into the greased baking dish Use a spatula to smooth it out all the way to the edges and make sure it is level This helps the casserole bake evenly without dry corners
- Top With Crackers And Cheese:
- Take the buttery crackers and crush them as evenly as possible by hand or in a zip top bag Scatter the crushed crackers all over the surface of the chicken mixture making a crunchy even layer Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar over the cracker topping so you get melty cheese in every bite
- Bake To Perfection:
- Slide the casserole into the center of your preheated oven Bake uncovered for twenty five to thirty minutes until the top is bubbling and golden and the cheese is fully melted If you like the top extra crunchy you can broil it for a minute at the end
- Serve Warm:
- Allow the casserole to cool for about five minutes before slicing to help it set well Spoon generous helpings onto plates while warm so you get the perfect blend of melty cheese and crispy topping Enjoy it just as it comes or with a simple salad
Cheddar has always been my secret ingredient for comfort cooking and the way it bubbles and browns in this recipe reminds me of weekends at my grandmother’s kitchen counter There is something about the crunch and cream together that always draws my family around the table
Storage Tips
Let leftovers cool completely before covering tightly and refrigerating The casserole stays fresh for up to three days To reheat cover with foil and bake at three hundred fifty until warmed through A quick zap in the microwave also works for single servings
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of sour cream try Greek yogurt for a light tang and added protein No cheddar Use any melty cheese blend in your fridge such as Monterey Jack or Colby Swap out the crackers for crushed potato chips or panko for a different style of crunch
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad tossed with lemon dressing or serve alongside green beans or roasted broccoli For a brunch option try spooning over fluffy biscuits I love adding a dash of hot sauce to my own plate
Cultural and Historical Context
Casseroles are a beloved part of Southern potluck tables and this one fits right in with its creamy filling and crunchy top I always picture Dolly Parton sharing this at a church supper or picnic Simple food like this has a way of bringing everyone together whether you are in Tennessee or anywhere in the world
Seasonal Adaptations
Add steamed broccoli or thawed peas for a springtime twist Swap cheddar for pepper jack in summer for extra zest Use leftover holiday turkey in place of chicken during winter
Helpful Notes
Chicken can be poached ahead or even cooked in a slow cooker for easy shredding Use freshly grated cheese for smooth melt without waxy texture Cover with foil to keep crackers crisp if reheating in the oven
Success Stories
A friend made this for a neighborhood block party and ended up handwriting the recipe three times before the night was over I have heard from readers who make double batches and freeze one for when company surprises them
Freezer Meal Conversion
Assemble the casserole up to the point before baking Wrap tightly with plastic and foil Freeze up to two months When ready to eat bake uncovered straight from frozen at three hundred fifty adding ten to fifteen minutes to the bake time
Bring a taste of comfort and a little Southern charm to your table with this truly foolproof casserole It’s guaranteed to please with every creamy crunchy bite
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best?
Cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh works well.
- → Can I substitute the soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- → Are other cheeses suitable?
Cheddar works great, but you can try Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for variation.
- → Can it be prepared ahead?
Mix and assemble in advance, then bake just before serving. Store in the fridge if prepping ahead.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best texture.