If you love simple Southern comfort food, this 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole is an easy dinner you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation. It combines tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, melted cheddar, and buttery crushed crackers in one cozy casserole.
With only five main ingredients and about 40 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or a comforting meal when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
Note: This recipe is commonly shared online as being associated with Dolly Parton. Unless you have a verified original source, it’s best understood as a recipe commonly attributed to her rather than an officially confirmed recipe.
🛒 Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers, such as Ritz, crushed
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
3. Add to the Baking Dish
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Add the Crackers
Sprinkle the crushed buttery crackers evenly over the top of the chicken mixture.
5. Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the crushed crackers.
6. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden and melted.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
⭐ Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken: It makes this recipe especially quick and adds plenty of flavor.
- Don’t overbake: Once the casserole is hot and bubbling with a golden topping, it’s ready.
- Crush the crackers fairly well: Smaller pieces create a more even buttery topping.
- Let it rest: A few minutes of cooling makes the casserole easier to scoop and serve.
- Add extra seasoning if desired: A little black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder can add more flavor without complicating the recipe.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This creamy chicken casserole pairs beautifully with simple Southern-style sides. Try it with green beans, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, corn, or a crisp garden salad.
For a complete comfort-food dinner, serve it alongside your favorite vegetable and some warm dinner rolls.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through.
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
Category: Dinner / Casserole
Cuisine: Southern American
❤️ Final Thoughts
This 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole is proof that a comforting homemade dinner doesn’t need a long ingredient list. The creamy chicken filling, sharp cheddar, and buttery cracker topping come together for an easy meal that’s hearty, familiar, and satisfying.
It’s the kind of recipe that’s especially handy when you have cooked chicken in the refrigerator and want to turn it into something the whole family can enjoy.