Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a comforting and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken with creamy soup and a crispy cracker topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and satisfying.

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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the filling before baking.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different twist.
- Use crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping if you prefer a different texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, to maintain the crispy topping.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs before mixing with the other ingredients. Rotisserie chicken is convenient but fresh chicken works just as well.
Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole as instructed, assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
PrintDolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole Recipe
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish combining shredded chicken, creamy soup, and a buttery cracker topping. Perfect for an easy family meal, this casserole bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection with minimal prep and ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
Topping
- 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Spread this evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the crushed buttery crackers with the melted unsalted butter until each cracker crumb is fully coated.
- Assemble: Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish to ensure a golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly and the topping turns golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make handling easier.
Notes
- You can use leftover roasted chicken or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a crispier topping, spread the cracker mix evenly and avoid pressing it down.
- This casserole can be doubled and baked in a larger dish if needed.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, easy chicken casserole, 5-ingredient casserole, creamy chicken bake, buttery cracker topping

