Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole: A Taste of Southern Comfort
Introduction
In the spirit of Dolly Parton herself—big-hearted, genuine, and wonderfully satisfying—this 5-ingredient casserole embodies Southern home cooking at its finest. It’s a dish born from practicality, warmth, and the desire to bring people together around the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you simply need a hug in a baking dish, this recipe proves that great comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.
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Ingredients
· 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (from a rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken)
· 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
· 1 cup (8 oz) full-fat sour cream
· 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 sleeve (about 5 oz) buttery round crackers (like Ritz), coarsely crushed
(Note: Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. The soup and cheese usually provide enough salt.)
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Instructions & Methods
1. Prep and Preheat:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated and creamy. Add a few grinds of black pepper.
3. Assemble:
Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Add the Crust:
Scatter the coarsely crushed crackers evenly over the cheese layer. For extra richness, you can drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of melted butter over the cracker crumbs, but this is optional.
5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
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History & Cultural Formation
This casserole is a proud member of the “church supper” or “potluck casserole” canon that thrived across mid-20th century America, particularly in the South. Its formation is rooted in ingenuity and the rise of convenience foods. Canned “cream of” soups, invented in the 1930s, became a home cook’s secret weapon, acting as a quick sauce and binder. When paired with affordable protein (like leftover chicken) and a crispy topping (like crackers), it created a reliable, crowd-feeding dish.
While not officially published by Dolly Parton, its attribution to her makes perfect sense. It reflects her upbringing in rural Tennessee—resourceful, comforting, and meant for sharing. It’s the culinary equivalent of her song “Coat of Many Colors”: simple components, stitched together with love, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
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Nutritional Profile (Per Serving, approx. 1/6 of recipe)
· Calories: ~420
· Protein: ~24g
· Carbohydrates: ~18g
· Fat: ~28g
· Saturated Fat: ~13g
· Cholesterol: ~105mg
· Sodium: ~800mg
Disclaimer: This is a hearty comfort food dish. It provides a good amount of protein but is also rich in saturated fat and sodium. Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
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Benefits & Why Lovers of This Dish Adore It
1. Simplicity & Accessibility: With just 5 core ingredients, it’s approachable for cooks of any skill level and easy on the grocery budget.
2. Time-Saving: It comes together in under 10 minutes of active prep, making it a savior on hectic evenings.
3. Ultimate Comfort: The creamy, cheesy, savory filling and buttery, crispy topping trigger deep feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
4. Versatility: Lovers of the recipe often make it their own by adding ingredients like frozen peas, diced onions, a dash of hot sauce, or swapping in different “cream of” soups or cheeses.
5. Feeds a Crowd: It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings, offering the familiar, satisfying flavors that please both kids and adults.
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Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the enduring power of simple, heartfelt cooking. It doesn’t strive for gourmet accolades but instead delivers on a timeless promise: a delicious, comforting meal that brings people together. In a world that’s often overly complex, this casserole is a delicious reminder that some of the best things in life—and in food—are wonderfully straightforward. So, preheat your oven, and get ready for a standing ovation at your kitchen table. As Dolly might say, it’s enough to make you feel “9 to 5” happy after a long day.