Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole (Easy Creamy Cracker Chicken Bake)

This isn’t the first recipe inspired by Dolly Parton that we’ve tried and loved — and it definitely won’t be the last. The beloved Queen of Country is known for her incredible talent on stage, but she also shines in the kitchen with simple, comforting recipes like this 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole.

Creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery cracker crumbs, this cozy dinner bake is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s the kind of classic comfort food recipe that feels homemade and satisfying without requiring a long list of ingredients.

If you’re looking for an easy chicken casserole recipe that everyone will love, this one is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole

This simple baked chicken dish is popular for many reasons:

 Only 5 pantry-friendly ingredients
 Creamy, cheesy comfort food flavor
 Perfect weeknight dinner casserole
 Great way to use leftover chicken
 Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
 Ready in about 40 minutes total

The buttery cracker topping adds the perfect crispy texture to balance the rich, creamy filling.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1½ cups cheddar cheese, grated

• 1 sleeve butter crackers (such as Ritz), crushed

How to Make Dolly Parton’s Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, stir together:

• shredded chicken

• cream of chicken soup

• sour cream

Mix until smooth and fully combined.

3. Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the top.

Add the remaining chicken mixture, then finish with:

• remaining cheese

• crushed butter crackers

4. Bake

Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until:

 casserole is bubbly
 cheese is melted
 cracker topping is golden brown

5. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Serve warm with:

 green salad
 steamed vegetables
 mashed potatoes or rice

Tips for the Best Chicken Cracker Casserole

 Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience
 Add a little garlic powder or black pepper for seasoning
 Mix crackers with melted butter for an extra crispy topping
 Substitute Colby Jack or mozzarella for a cheese variation

Easy Variations

You can customize this creamy chicken bake in many ways:

• Add broccoli or peas for a chicken vegetable casserole

• Stir in cooked bacon pieces for smoky flavor

• Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken

• Top with French fried onions for crunch

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:
Store covered up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.

Reheat:
Bake at 325°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.

Final Thoughts

This Dolly Parton 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With creamy layers of chicken and cheese plus a buttery cracker topping, it’s a simple dinner recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

It’s the kind of cozy family meal you’ll want to make again and again.