Follow these straightforward steps to create your own batch of comforting 5-ingredient chicken casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Stir until smooth and uniform. Add the cooked chicken and fold until every piece is well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the creamy chicken mixture into the greased casserole dish. Smooth the top so it cooks evenly.
- Mix the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and look sandy and golden.
- Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken base, covering it completely so it bakes into a crispy topping.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges of the casserole are bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to portion.
The simplicity of these steps is part of what makes this dish so appealing—minimal effort, maximum flavor. Despite needing just five ingredients and a single mixing bowl, the resulting casserole tastes layered, hearty, and deeply comforting.
Serving and Storage
This casserole is delicious straight out of the oven, but it also stores very well—making it ideal for meal prep, leftovers, or sharing with neighbors or family.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with vegetables: Serve alongside steamed green beans, roasted carrots, sautéed spinach, or a fresh salad.
- Serve with starches: Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles complement the creamy texture perfectly.
- Garnish options: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, paprika, or cracked black pepper for color and flavor.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or warm in the microwave.
- Freezing: The casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil and place in an airtight bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Meal Prep: Portion the casserole into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
The casserole retains its creamy texture after reheating, and the cracker topping can be refreshed by reheating uncovered in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Tips
To help you make the most flavorful and satisfying version of this casserole, here are helpful tips and optional enhancements:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This adds extra flavor and saves time.
- Try Cheese: Stir half a cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby into the filling for extra richness.
- Add Vegetables: Broccoli florets, peas, mixed vegetables, or spinach blend seamlessly into the dish.
- Season Lightly: A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper adds depth without complicating the recipe.
- Make it Heartier: Add cooked rice or noodles directly to the casserole to create a one-dish meal.
- Try Different Crackers: Saltines, herb crackers, or even crushed potato chips work great as alternative toppings.
- Reduce Sodium: If salt is a concern, choose low-sodium soup and use unsalted crackers.
Even with modifications, the essence of Dolly’s classic casserole—cozy, creamy simplicity—remains intact. These optional upgrades just personalize the dish to suit your household’s tastes.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-ingredient chicken casserole exemplifies everything beloved about Southern comfort cooking: it’s warm, welcoming, and wonderfully uncomplicated. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, you can craft a dish that tastes like a hug on a plate. Whether you follow the classic version to the letter or experiment with add-ins, this recipe is a reliable go-to that brings joy to any mealtime.
Its simplicity is what makes it truly special. It’s the kind of recipe you can make on a busy weeknight, when you need something soothing, or when you want to share a little homemade love with others. Gentle, hearty, and always satisfying, this casserole reflects the spirit of Dolly herself—simple, heartfelt, and full of comfort.
Try it once, and you may find that it becomes a regular part of your home cooking rotation. After all, few dishes strike the perfect balance between ease and flavor quite like this timeless Southern classic.
FAQ
- Can I use canned chicken?
- Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch. Just drain it well and break it apart before mixing.
- Can I use other types of soup?
- Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of onion soup all work as substitutes, though each slightly changes the flavor.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add cracker topping right before baking.
- How do I keep the topping crispy?
- If reheating, do so uncovered in the oven. You can also add a little fresh buttered cracker topping before reheating for extra crunch.
- Is this casserole kid-friendly?
- Yes—children often love its mild, creamy flavor. You can keep spices minimal to make it even more appealing to picky eaters.
- Can I add pasta to the casserole?
- Yes! Add cooked noodles to the chicken mixture, but increase the soup slightly to maintain creaminess.
- Does this dish work for potlucks?
- Definitely. It travels well, reheats beautifully, and appeals to a wide variety of tastes.