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This Dolly Parton 5Ingredient Casserole is a warm, comforting meal that combines shredded chicken, creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy, satisfying, and nostalgic. With minimal ingredients and fuss, this casserole delivers that homemade flavor many of us grew up loving, and it’s a wonderful dish to bring to potlucks or family dinners.
I first made this when a friend gave me leftover rotisserie chicken and we needed dinner fast. It quickly became a household favorite, and now my family gets excited when they catch the smell of it baking in the oven.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken: choose juicy rotisserie or poached chicken breasts for tenderness and flavor
- Cream of chicken soup: pick a good quality brand for rich, creamy depth
- Sour cream: adds luscious creaminess and tang (opt for full fat for best results)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: block cheddar melts better and brings sharpness
- Buttery crackers: crushed Ritz crackers are classic but any rich buttery crackers work well
- Optional black pepper or dried parsley: adds a touch of color and extra flavor if you like
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even baking. Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or a nonstick spray so the casserole edges crisp perfectly without sticking.
- Mix the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated and creamy with no clumps.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spoon the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use the back of the spoon to smooth the surface so that the cracker topping will bake into a uniform golden crust.
- Add the Cracker Topping:
- Place your buttery crackers into a zip top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or your hands until you have fine crumbs. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole, covering it completely for a perfect crunchy finish.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Put the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for twentyfive to thirty minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden brown top to know it is hot and creamy inside with a crisp exterior.
- Let It Rest:
- Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest five to ten minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set up so that when you slice it, the portions hold nicely and serving is neat and easy.
I am always amazed at how the buttery cracker topping steals the show. My kids enjoy crushing and sprinkling them, which reminds me of helping my grandmother with similar dishes. The smells of baking cheese and buttery crumbs evoke a cozy, loving kitchen vibe every time.
Storage Tips
Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering. Leftovers keep well for up to four days when wrapped tightly in foil or stored airtight in the fridge. Reheat single servings in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a moderate oven to keep the top crunchy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, shredded cooked turkey works beautifully. Try pepper jack cheese for a little kick or swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for an earthier taste. Gluten free crackers and soups make this casserole accessible for wheatfree diets without compromising comfort.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs perfectly with something green and fresh like a simple garden salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness. For heartier appetites, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or warm buttery dinner rolls that soak up the sauce.
This simple, nostalgic casserole is perfect for weeknights and potlucks. Enjoy!
FAQs About This Recipe
- → Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely, cooked shredded turkey works well as a substitute, blending smoothly with the casserole’s creamy ingredients.
- → How do I keep the cracker topping crisp and golden?
Sprinkle the crushed crackers just before baking and avoid covering the dish while baking to maintain a crunchy topping.
- → Is it possible to prepare the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the casserole up to a day in advance and add the crunchy topping right before baking.
- → What ingredient variations are recommended?
Try adding peas, carrots, or switching cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese. Cooked bacon bits add extra flavor too.
- → Can the casserole be frozen for later use?
Yes, freeze the assembled casserole without the topping, then thaw overnight and add crackers just before baking.
- → What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or warm dinner rolls for a balanced meal.