Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a delightful and easy recipe that captures the heart and soul of comfort food. This delicious dish combines simple ingredients to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this casserole will surely please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
This casserole is not only quick to prepare but also requires only five basic ingredients, making it ideal for busy individuals or families. It’s wholesome, filling, and bursting with flavor, but what really sets it apart is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this dish; anyone can do it! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, making it a practical option for reducing food waste. This recipe is undoubtedly a keeper that makes meal planning easy and enjoyable.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until fully blended.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Top generously with the crushed buttery round crackers for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy the classic flavors!
How to Serve Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
This casserole can be served as a main dish and pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or even some crusty bread. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for an added touch. If you’re serving a crowd, pairing it with a side of our garlic bread can take your meal to the next level.
How to Store Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
If you have leftovers, this casserole stores well! Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. To freeze, make sure it’s in an airtight container or freezer bag and label it with the date. It can last for up to 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again.
Tips for Success with Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different kinds of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to give the casserole a flavor twist.
- Don’t Skip the Crackers: The buttery round crackers provide a wonderful crunchy topping that complements the creamy filling, so be sure not to skip this ingredient.
Variations
While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas, corn, or bell peppers, for extra nutrition. You could also swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup to bring a new taste to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken, but it will require longer cooking time. Ensure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What if I do not have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or you can use cream cheese for a rich flavor.
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is not only easy to make but is also a dish that resonates with the warmth of home cooking. The combination of chicken, creamy soup, sour cream, and cheese topped with buttery crackers results in a comfort food that everyone will love. Enjoy making this recipe, and feel free to explore other related recipes like homemade chicken soup or easy mac and cheese for more delicious meal ideas.
Dig in and enjoy!