Dolly Parton’s Famous 5-Ingredient Casserole (Full Long English Version)

If you love old-fashioned comfort food that’s simple, creamy, warm, and incredibly satisfying, Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is the perfect recipe to add to your collection. With only five basic ingredients, this dish proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to make a delicious, heart-warming meal.

This casserole is inspired by classic Southern cooking — cozy, homestyle, and made with love. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, potluck gatherings, or anytime you want a no-fuss recipe that still tastes rich and comforting. The combination of creamy chicken filling and a buttery, golden Ritz cracker topping creates the perfect balance of textures in every bite.

Ingredients (Only 5 Required)

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  Rotisserie chicken works great and adds a deep, savory flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  You may replace it with cream of chicken or cream of celery if preferred.
• 1 cup sour cream
  Provides richness and creaminess to the base.
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  These buttery crackers give the casserole its signature crispy top.
• ½ cup melted butter
  Helps the crackers brown and adds irresistible flavor.

Optional but Delicious:

• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• ½–1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  This ensures even baking and a crisp topping.

2. Prepare the creamy chicken mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Cooked shredded chicken
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream

Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
The mixture should be thick, creamy, and well-coated.

3. Spread the mixture into a baking dish

• Transfer the chicken filling to a 9×9-inch casserole dish or similar size.
• Spread it out evenly using a spoon or spatula.

4. Make the buttery cracker topping

In a small bowl:

1. Add crushed Ritz crackers.
2. Pour melted butter over them.
3. Stir until every crumb is fully coated.

This topping is essential — it creates that golden, crunchy, irresistible layer.

5. Add topping and bake

• Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
• Bake 25–30 minutes, or until:
  • The top is golden brown
  • The filling is bubbling around the edges
  • It smells warm and buttery

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• Steamed green beans
• A crisp side salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes
• Southern buttermilk biscuits

It’s simple but filling, making it excellent as a main dish.

Variations & Substitutions

Cheesy Version

Mix 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the filling
or
sprinkle it under the cracker topping.

Turkey or Ham Version

Swap the chicken for leftover Thanksgiving turkey or diced ham.

Soup Alternatives

Use cream of:

• chicken
• celery
• onion
  depending on your taste.

Vegetable Add-Ins

Stir in:

• Frozen peas
• Corn
• Mixed veggies
• Cooked broccoli