Famous 5-Ingredient Casserole Recipe (Ultimate Comfort in Minutes!) -

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones, and this famous 5-ingredient casserole proves it beyond a doubt. Made popular by none other than Dolly Parton herself, this creamy, cheesy wonder has become a weeknight staple in homes across America because it delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. With just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, you can create a bubbling, golden casserole that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and reliability. Whether you’re a busy parent racing against dinnertime, a beginner cook looking for a foolproof dish, or someone who simply appreciates delicious comfort food without the fuss, this casserole delivers every single time. The buttery cracker topping gets perfectly crispy while the creamy chicken filling stays rich and satisfying underneath. You’ll get a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings | Difficulty: Easy

Quick Stats Box:

Cuisine: American comfort food
Course: Main Dish
Diet: Can be made gluten-free
Best for: Busy weeknights, potlucks, last-minute dinners

Why This Recipe Works

Incredibly simple — Just mix, layer, bake, and you’re done—no complicated techniques required
Budget-friendly brilliance — Uses affordable staples and feeds a family of six for under $15
Perfect texture contrast — Creamy, rich filling topped with buttery, crunchy crackers that stay crispy
Rotisserie chicken shortcut — No need to cook chicken from scratch—grab a store-bought rotisserie bird and shred it
Foolproof for beginners — With only five ingredients, there’s virtually nothing that can go wrong

Ingredient Spotlight

Rotisserie Chicken Magic: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cuts your prep time dramatically and adds deeper flavor since the chicken is already seasoned. One standard rotisserie chicken yields about 3 cups of shredded meat—exactly what you need.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This condensed soup provides instant creaminess and savory flavor without making a sauce from scratch. It acts as both moisture and seasoning, creating that classic casserole texture everyone loves.

Butter Crackers Matter: Ritz crackers are the traditional choice because their buttery richness and slight sweetness complement the savory filling perfectly. When crushed and baked, they create an irresistible golden crust that adds crucial textural contrast.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream (8 oz, full-fat recommended)
1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 6 oz)
1 sleeve butter crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 35-40 crackers)

Ingredient Notes:

Quality matters most: Full-fat sour cream creates a richer, creamier texture than low-fat versions
Room temperature is key: Let sour cream sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing for smoother blending
Don’t skip: Sharp cheddar provides better flavor than mild—the sharpness cuts through the creamy richness

Essential Equipment

You’ll Need:

9-inch square baking dish — or 9×9-inch (a 9×13-inch also works if doubling)
Large mixing bowl — for combining chicken mixture
Spatula or wooden spoon — for spreading mixture evenly
Zip-top bag or rolling pin — for crushing crackers

Nice to Have:

Nonstick cooking spray — prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
Meat shredder claws — if shredding your own cooked chicken

How to Make Famous 5-Ingredient Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray or butter. If using a rotisserie chicken, remove all the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces—you should have about 3 cups total. Set aside.

Pro tip: Save those rotisserie chicken bones to make homemade chicken stock later—waste not, want not!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir everything together until well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. The consistency should be thick and creamy, not runny. If it seems too thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it slightly, but this is usually unnecessary.

Common mistake: Don’t add extra liquid unless absolutely needed—the casserole needs to be thick to prevent it from becoming soupy during baking.

Step 3: Layer with Cheese

Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it into an even layer, making sure it reaches all the corners. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about ¾ cup) evenly over the chicken layer. Add the remaining chicken mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, distributing it evenly across the entire surface.

Pro tip: Layering the cheese in the middle creates pockets of melty goodness throughout the casserole, not just on top.

Step 4: Add the Cracker Topping

Place your butter crackers in a large zip-top bag and seal it, pressing out excess air. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a measuring cup to crush the crackers into coarse crumbs. You want a mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces for the best texture. Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the entire top of the casserole, covering all the cheese. Gently press down slightly so the crackers adhere to the cheese.

Test kitchen discovery: Don’t pulverize the crackers into dust—leaving some larger pieces creates better crunch and visual appeal.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the casserole on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the mixture is bubbling around the edges, the cheese is melted throughout, and the cracker topping is golden brown. If the crackers are browning too quickly but the center isn’t hot enough, tent loosely with foil for the last 5-10 minutes. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven—this allows the creamy filling to set slightly for easier serving.

Pro tip: The casserole should register at least 165°F in the center when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Temperature Matters: Make sure all your ingredients (especially sour cream) aren’t ice cold from the fridge—room temperature ingredients mix more smoothly and bake more evenly.

Don’t Rush the Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese from a block rather than pre-shredded—it melts smoother and tastes better since it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can make the texture grainy.

The Secret to Extra Flavor: Mix 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper into the chicken mixture for an extra flavor boost without adding more ingredients.

Common Mistake: Overbaking will dry out the creamy filling—watch for bubbling edges and golden crackers as your visual cues rather than just relying on the timer.

Cracker Perfection: For an even more buttery topping, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the crushed crackers before baking.

Customization Ideas

Dietary Modifications:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup (Pacific and Progresso make excellent versions) and substitute gluten-free butter crackers or crushed potato chips
Lower Fat: Use 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and reduced-fat cheddar—the texture will be slightly less rich but still delicious
Dairy-Free: Replace sour cream with dairy-free sour cream alternative, use dairy-free cream soup, and skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese shreds
Keto-Friendly: Replace crackers with crushed pork rinds mixed with melted butter and Parmesan—creates a low-carb crunchy topping

Flavor Variations:

Mexican Style: Add 1 cup salsa to the chicken mixture, use Mexican cheese blend, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of crackers
Bacon Ranch: Mix in ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon and 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix to the chicken mixture
Veggie-Loaded: Stir in 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (thawed and drained), diced bell peppers, or steamed broccoli florets
Italian Twist: Use Italian cheese blend, add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and top with crushed herb crackers or breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture
Buffalo Chicken: Mix ¼ cup buffalo sauce into the chicken mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles alongside the cheddar

Serving Styles:

Traditional: Serve family-style from the baking dish with a simple green salad on the side
Over Pasta: Spoon the creamy casserole over cooked egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty complete meal
Individual Portions: Divide mixture among 6 ramekins, top each with cheese and crackers, and bake for 20-25 minutes

Storage & Meal Prep

Make Ahead:

Mixed filling: Combine chicken, soup, and sour cream up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate—assemble and bake when ready
Fully assembled (unbaked): Assemble the entire casserole (including crackers) up to 6 hours ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap, refrigerate, and bake when needed (add 5 minutes to baking time)
Prep components separately: Shred chicken up to 3 days ahead and store in airtight container; crush crackers and store in sealed bag

Storing:

Counter: Once baked, casserole can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before refrigerating
Fridge: Cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap cooled casserole (or unbaked assembled casserole) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating for Best Results:

From refrigerator: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through (165°F internal temperature). For crispy crackers, remove foil for last 5 minutes.

From frozen: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat as above. Or bake frozen (covered) at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes.

Microwave method (single portions): Heat on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Note that crackers won’t stay crispy with this method.

Pro tip: The casserole reheats beautifully and many say it tastes even better the next day after flavors meld together.

What to Serve With Famous 5-Ingredient Casserole

Perfect Pairings:

Simple Green Salad: Crisp lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes with tangy vinaigrette provide fresh contrast to the rich, creamy casserole
Steamed Green Beans: Lightly seasoned green beans add color and a healthy vegetable component without competing for attention
Buttered Egg Noodles or Rice: Serve the casserole over a bed of noodles or rice to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce
Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy filling

Complete the Meal:

Appetizer: Start with tomato soup or a cheese and crackers board
Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or coleslaw all work beautifully
Dessert: Keep dessert simple with cookies, brownies, or fruit cobbler to match the comfort-food theme

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 6 servings)

Note: Calculated using standard USDA nutritional data. Values are approximate and will vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this without sour cream?
Yes! Substitute with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, cream cheese (softened) for extra richness, or even mayonnaise in a pinch. Each creates a slightly different taste but all work well.

Why did my casserole turn out watery?
This usually happens if extra liquid was added or if frozen vegetables were used without draining them properly. Always drain and pat dry any add-ins, and stick to the recipe ratios for best results.

What other crackers can I use besides Ritz?
Club crackers, Town House crackers, or even buttery round crackers work beautifully. For a different flavor, try cheese crackers like Cheez-Its or crushed potato chips for extra crunch.

How do I keep the cracker topping crispy when storing?
Store the crackers separately and add them just before reheating, or accept that they’ll soften (which many people actually prefer for leftovers). Reheating uncovered helps restore some crispness.

Can I use a different soup flavor?
Absolutely! Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cream of bacon all work wonderfully and create slightly different flavor profiles. You can even use condensed cheddar cheese soup for extra cheesiness.

Can I make individual portions in a muffin tin?
Yes! Grease a 12-cup muffin tin, divide the mixture among cups, top each with cheese and crushed crackers, and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

What’s the best way to shred rotisserie chicken quickly?
Use two forks to pull the meat apart, use a hand mixer on low speed for 30 seconds (seriously!), or invest in meat shredder claws which make the job effortless.

Recipe History & Cultural Context

The 5-ingredient casserole represents the pinnacle of American comfort food ingenuity—a genre of cooking that emerged from necessity during mid-20th century when convenience products transformed home cooking. Condensed cream soups, introduced by Campbell’s in the 1930s, became the foundation for thousands of easy casserole recipes that defined American family dinners for generations.

This particular recipe gained widespread fame when country music legend Dolly Parton shared it as one of her go-to simple meals. Known for her down-home cooking style despite her superstar status, Dolly’s endorsement transformed this humble casserole into a cultural phenomenon. The recipe embodies her philosophy of creating delicious, unpretentious food that brings people together without requiring culinary expertise or expensive ingredients.

Casseroles themselves became an American institution because they checked every box for busy families: one-dish convenience, budget-friendly ingredients, make-ahead capability, and the ability to feed a crowd. This five-ingredient version takes that practicality to its logical conclusion—proving that you don’t need a long ingredient list to create something deeply satisfying and memorable. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, scribbled on index cards, and requested at every family potluck.

Printable Recipe Card