When it comes to comfort food, few dishes capture the warmth, nostalgia, and Southern charm quite like Dolly Parton’s legendary 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole. Simple, creamy, budget-friendly, and irresistibly delicious, this casserole has earned a permanent spot in many family kitchens—and for good reason. With only five pantry-friendly ingredients, minimal prep, and a melt-in-your-mouth result, it’s the kind of recipe that works for busy nights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something soul-soothing.
In this long-form, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll find everything you need: a detailed recipe, cooking tips, variations, serving ideas, storage instructions, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for an easy win, this casserole will become your new go-to dinner recipe.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Dolly Parton Chicken Casserole
This recipe has become iconic for several reasons:
-
Only 5 ingredients — no complicated steps or shopping lists.
-
Ultra-creamy and cheesy, with the perfect comfort-food texture.
-
One bowl, one pan, and almost zero cleanup.
-
Versatile — add veggies, spices, or different cheeses depending on what you have.
-
Affordable — ideal for families and budget-conscious cooks.
-
Crowd-pleasing — great for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners.
Dolly Parton has always been known for her warm hospitality and homestyle cooking, and this casserole is a delicious extension of that legacy.
📝 Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole
This recipe could not be simpler—everything mixes together quickly and bakes into cheesy perfection.
You Will Need:
-
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
-
1 cup sour cream
-
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully!)
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 package of frozen shredded hash browns (or cooked rice/pasta) depending on your preferred version
Note: In Dolly’s cookbook variations, some versions use hash browns while others mix the chicken base with rice or noodles. All options are included in the variations section below.
🍽️ How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole
Step 1 — Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
