There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a classic Southern casserole, and Dolly Parton’s 5-ingredient wonder hits every comforting note with ease. This dish is the definition of down-home simplicity: just a handful of everyday ingredients, a single baking dish, and 40 minutes later you’re scooping up creamy, cheesy satisfaction. It’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into hectic weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you simply want to serve something warm and familiar to those you love.

The beauty of this casserole lies in its no-fuss method and the rich, indulgent flavors that come from the combination of tender chicken, creamy soup, and sharp cheddar. The buttery crackers provide a perfect contrast, adding just the right amount of crunch to each bite. This isn’t haute cuisine, and that’s the point — it’s about comfort, ease, and the nostalgic joy of a dish that could’ve come straight from a Southern grandmother’s oven.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or putting together a crowd-pleasing potluck offering, this casserole delivers every time. It travels well, reheats beautifully, and can be dressed up or down depending on what’s in your pantry. Plus, it’s a fantastic use for leftover chicken or even a rotisserie bird picked up on your way home.

This dish exemplifies Dolly’s culinary style — straightforward, soulful, and built on tried-and-true classics. It doesn’t rely on complicated steps or exotic ingredients, just good old-fashioned comfort food charm.

Servings: 6
Ready in: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz), crushed

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
4. Sprinkle the crushed crackers over the casserole, then scatter the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
5. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Variations:

• Add Veggies: Mix in ½ cup of frozen peas or chopped broccoli to add a bit of green and a nutritional boost.
• Spice It Up: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of Southern heat.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Swap in cream of mushroom soup, pepper jack cheese, and add a handful of green chilies or chopped bell pepper.
• Turkey Option: This recipe works just as well with leftover turkey — great for post-holiday meals.

Tips:

• For best texture, use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken — avoid canned chicken if possible.
• Crushing crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin is a mess-free way to get even crumbs.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave