Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Made with just a few pantry staples, it combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and a crunchy buttery topping. This casserole is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
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 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 this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until they are well coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
- Step 5: Bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden-brown topping.
- Step 6: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add frozen peas, corn, or broccoli to the mix for extra color and nutrition.
- Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Swap chicken for cooked ground beef, turkey, or ham as an alternative protein.
- Brighten up the flavor with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed crackers or buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze Dolly Parton’s casserole?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
PrintDolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a simple and comforting Southern-inspired dish made with tender egg noodles, creamy cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, shredded rotisserie chicken, and sharp cheddar cheese. It bakes to a bubbly, cheesy perfection with a golden crust, making it an easy and hearty weeknight meal that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz wide egg noodles (about 3 cups, cooked al dente)
- 1 to 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1 sleeve (about 30) buttery round crackers, crushed (optional for crunch)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for topping if using crackers)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add wide egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the Base Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully blended and smooth.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Fold the shredded cooked chicken and cooked noodles into the creamy mixture. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the noodle and chicken mixture evenly into the dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Optional Crunchy Topping: If using, mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until coated, then evenly sprinkle this over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until hot and bubbly with a golden brown crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the noodles initially; they should be al dente since they will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use full-fat sour cream for a richer texture, though reduced-fat sour cream can be substituted.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup depending on preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken or replace with mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach.
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole and refrigerating; add 10 extra minutes to baking time if chilled.
- Freeze unbaked casserole wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- For extra flavor, vary the cheese with mozzarella, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- To avoid dryness, ensure sufficient sour cream and soup, and do not overbake.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through; add milk or broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
Keywords: Dolly Parton casserole, 5-ingredient casserole, chicken casserole, easy weeknight dinner, Southern comfort food, cheesy casserole, egg noodle casserole
