Few names evoke warmth, nostalgia, and down-home cooking quite like Dolly Parton. Known not only for her legendary music career but also for her Southern roots and love of comforting food, Dolly Parton-inspired recipes have become wildly popular online. Among them, Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole stands out as the ultimate example of simple, budget-friendly comfort food.

This casserole is creamy, hearty, and satisfying—made with just five pantry staples and minimal prep. It is the kind of dish that brings families together around the table, just like the meals Dolly grew up with in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

What Is Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole?

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a humble, no-fuss baked dish typically made with:

Shredded chicken
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream

Stuffing mix or crackers
Butter

The result is a creamy, savory casserole with a golden, crunchy topping—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday supper.

While Dolly herself has shared many simple, Southern-inspired meals over the years, this casserole reflects the spirit of her cooking philosophy: comfort food that feeds the soul without complicated steps.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

This casserole continues to trend for several reasons:

Only 5 simple ingredients

Budget-friendly and filling
Easy to customize
Crowd-pleasing flavors

Perfect for beginners

It is the kind of recipe passed down through generations—easy enough to memorize and reliable enough to serve anytime.

Ingredients for Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

The Core Five Ingredients

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 box chicken-flavored stuffing mix

½ cup melted butter

That’s it—no eggs, no cheese, no complicated seasonings.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Chicken

Rotisserie chicken works beautifully

Leftover baked or boiled chicken is ideal
Turkey can be substituted

Cream of Chicken Soup

Use low-sodium if preferred

Homemade cream soup also works

Sour Cream

Full-fat delivers best texture
Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter version

Stuffing Mix

Chicken or herb flavor recommended
Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs can substitute

Butter

Unsalted is best for control

Margarine works in a pinch

How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Stir until evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine stuffing mix with melted butter. Toss until evenly moistened.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Layer

Sprinkle the stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken base.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Why This Casserole Works So Well

This recipe succeeds because it balances textures and flavors:

Creamy, savory chicken base
Crispy, buttery topping
Mild seasoning that appeals to all ages

It is rich without being overwhelming and comforting without being heavy.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Instructions

Make Ahead

Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance
Cover and refrigerate

Bake when ready to serve

Freezing

Freeze unbaked (without topping) up to 2 months
Add topping just before baking

Thaw overnight in refrigerator

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container
Keeps up to 3–4 days

Reheating

Oven: 350°F for 15–20 minutes
Microwave: Individual portions, 1–2 minutes

Add a splash of milk if reheating to maintain creaminess.

Popular Variations

Cheesy Dolly Parton Casserole

Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture.

Vegetable-Loaded Version

Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or green beans.

Low-Carb Option

Replace stuffing with crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping.

Spicy Southern Twist

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.

Is This Casserole Budget-Friendly?

Absolutely. This dish was designed with affordability in mind:

Uses leftovers

Requires minimal ingredients
Feeds a family generously

It is especially popular during times when families need comforting meals on a budget.

Why This Dish Feels So “Dolly”

Dolly Parton’s charm has always been about authenticity, warmth, and simplicity. This casserole reflects those values perfectly:

No pretension
Familiar flavors

Made to be shared

It is the kind of dish you would expect to find at a family gathering in East Tennessee.

What to Serve with Dolly Parton’s Casserole

Green beans or collard greens

Cornbread or biscuits
Simple side salad
Roasted vegetables

Keep sides light to balance the richness.

Nutrition Overview (Approximate)

Per serving:

Calories: ~380

Protein: ~22g
Fat: ~24g
Carbohydrates: ~18g

Exact values vary based on ingredients used.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking (dries out the chicken)
Skipping the butter in the topping

Using watery chicken
Not letting it rest before serving

Attention to small details makes a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but drain it thoroughly.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a larger baking dish.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free stuffing mix and soup.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families

Minimal prep time
Familiar ingredients
Kid-friendly

Easily adaptable

It is a true “dump-and-bake” style meal that delivers consistent results.

Final Thoughts

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is a reminder that good food does not need to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that is comforting, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic.

Whether you are feeding a crowd, stretching your grocery budget, or simply craving a warm, homemade meal, this casserole delivers every time—just like Dolly herself: timeless, comforting, and full of heart.

Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole: A Southern Comfort Classic Made Simple

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (8 oz / 225g) uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup (or homemade cheese sauce)
• 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (115g) salted butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Cook macaroni according to package directions until just al dente; drain.
In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cream-style corn, cheese soup, 1½ cups cheddar, and melted butter. Mix gently until fully combined.

Pour into baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar.
Bake uncovered 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving—this helps it set for cleaner slices.
💡 Optional upgrades (still simple!): Add a pinch of smoked paprika, top with crushed buttery crackers, or stir in ½ cup cooked peas for color.