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This Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Casserole is pure comfort baked in one dish and makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Relying on pantry staples and just five core ingredients it brings creamy cheesy nostalgia that reminds me of potlucks and Sunday suppers. I make this anytime I need food that feels like a warm hug especially when life gets busy and everyone in the house needs something easy and satisfying.
I first made this when my friend handed me leftover rotisserie chicken and we needed dinner on the table in under an hour. Now my family lights up when they smell it baking—a true comfort classic I keep on rotation.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken: look for juicy rotisserie or poach chicken breasts for a tender base
- Cream of chicken soup: choose a quality brand for rich thick flavor
- Sour cream: adds creaminess and just the right tang creamy full fat is my pick
- Shredded cheddar cheese: find block cheese for best melting and sharp flavor
- Buttery crackers: crushed Ritz are classic but any rich buttery crackers will work
- Optional Black pepper or dried parsley: gives a touch of color and extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to a true 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure an even bake. Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or spray so nothing sticks and you get those perfectly crispy edges.
- Mix the Filling:
- Combine shredded chicken cream of chicken soup sour cream and cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Stir well with a sturdy spoon or spatula so everything is evenly coated and creamy with no clumps of unmixed soup or cheese.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into your greased dish. Use the back of your spoon to smooth the top so the topping bakes up golden and uniform.
- Add the Cracker Topping:
- Crush your buttery crackers in a ziptop bag using a rolling pin or your hands for even crumbs. Sprinkle these evenly over the entire surface ensuring the top is covered for great crunch.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for between twenty five and thirty minutes. Watch for bubbling edges and a golden brown top—this signals that the casserole’s center is hot and creamy while the top is crisp.
- Let It Rest:
- Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for five to ten minutes before slicing. This helps the casserole set up and makes serving cleaner and easier.
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I am always amazed at how the cracker topping steals the show. My kids love helping crush and sprinkle them and it brings back memories of helping my own grandmother in her kitchen as the smells of melted cheese meant something cozy was on the way.
Storage Tips
Cool the casserole completely before you cover and refrigerate it. Leftovers last up to four days tightly wrapped in foil or stored in an airtight container. For reheating warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a moderate oven to keep the top crunchy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have rotisserie chicken any cooked shredded turkey works great. To liven it up try pepper jack cheese or use cream of mushroom soup for a subtle earthy note. Gluten free crackers and soup easily transform this recipe for special diets making it just as comforting without wheat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with something green and fresh. A simple salad or steamed green beans balances the richness. For heartier appetites try with mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls—these soak up that delicious creamy sauce beautifully.
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Southern Roots
Recipes like this one line church cookbooks across the South. They are treasured for bringing people together whether at a picnic table or after church. Dolly Parton’s take reminds us that the best comfort food is always about feeding both body and spirit and a shared meal will always draw a crowd.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely, both cooked chicken and turkey work well. Rotisserie chicken saves time and blends perfectly with the creamy ingredients.
- → How do I prevent the cracker topping from getting soggy?
Scatter the crackers just before baking and avoid covering the dish so the topping stays crisp and golden.
- → Can this dish be assembled ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Add the cracker topping just before baking for freshest texture.
- → What variations can I make?
Add veggies like peas or carrots, switch cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby, or sprinkle cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- → Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, assemble (without the topping), freeze, and add crackers right before baking. Thaw overnight before baking for best results.
- → What are ideal side dishes?
Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or warm bread rolls to round out a cozy meal.