Why Make This Recipe
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a quick and easy dish that is perfect for busy families. It’s simple to make and uses very few ingredients, which means you can whip it up in no time. The flavors meld together perfectly, making it a tasty comfort food everyone will love. Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves you time and effort!
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.
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make topping: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- 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.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
You can serve this casserole as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It’s also great paired with garlic bread. It’s a perfect meal for family gatherings or potlucks, as it serves several people.
How to Store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well before freezing.
Tips to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- For extra flavor, add some herbs like thyme or rosemary to the filling mixture.
- You can use leftover chicken or any other cooked meat you have on hand.
- If you like a bit of crunch, add some chopped nuts to the cracker topping.
- For a creamier texture, add extra sour cream or a splash of milk.
Variation
You can easily customize this casserole by adding vegetables like peas, corn, or broccoli to the filling. You can also swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken. Just make sure it is completely thawed and shredded before adding it to the casserole.
How long does this casserole take to bake?
It should bake for about 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot all the way through.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Just cover it and refrigerate it. When you are ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients
For the filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
For the topping
- 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until smooth. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
Baking
- Place 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.