You will not believe how obsessed I am with this Dolly Parton casserole I just discovered – only 5 ingredients and it’s pure comfort food magic!
I was scrolling through some old family recipes online and stumbled across this gem that’s supposedly one of Dolly’s go-to dishes, and honestly, the woman knows what she’s doing.
I mean, if it’s good enough for the queen of country music, it’s definitely good enough for my dinner table! The crazy thing is how something so simple can taste so incredibly rich and satisfying – I threw it together in like 10 minutes and my whole house smells amazing right now.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This 5-ingredient casserole is an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have time for complicated cooking!
It’s seriously foolproof – just layer your ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic while you relax or handle other things. You’ll love how budget-friendly it is since it uses simple pantry staples and stretches easily to feed a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Plus, there’s something so satisfying about making a dish that’s supposedly loved by Dolly herself – it feels like you’re getting a little piece of that down-home, Southern comfort food tradition right in your own kitchen!
What You’ll Need
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32 oz)
Pro Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken. It saves so much time and adds great flavor.
- Don’t thaw the tater tots. They crisp up better when baked straight from the freezer.
- Layer strategically. Spread chicken first, then soup mixture, cheese, and tots for the best texture.
- Add extra seasoning. A little garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika kicks it up a notch.
- Let it rest. Give it 5–10 minutes after baking so it holds together better when serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
- Measuring cups
Substitutions and Variations
- Soup: Swap cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
- Cheese: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby Jack for a different flavor.
- Protein: Use cooked ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
- Veggies: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Spicy twist: Add a few diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freeze unbaked casserole (without tots on top) for up to 2 months—just thaw, add tots, and bake.
- Leftovers can be portioned into single servings and reheated for easy lunches.
How to Make Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup and sour cream until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole
Spread shredded chicken evenly on the bottom of the dish. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Arrange tater tots on top in a single layer.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the tots are golden and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 5: Rest and serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for balance.
- Serve with biscuits or cornbread to complete the Southern comfort vibe.
- Add a side of coleslaw or fruit salad for a lighter touch.
- It also makes a fun potluck dish—just bake and bring it in the casserole dish.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Reheat: For the crispiest tots, use the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.
Nutrition & Benefits
While this dish leans indulgent, it still offers protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. You can lighten it up by using reduced-fat sour cream, low-fat cheese, or a lighter soup base. Adding veggies makes it more balanced, but honestly, this casserole is about comfort—and that’s a benefit all on its own.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots? Yes, but tots give it the best texture and crispiness.
2. Can I make this vegetarian? Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or broccoli and use cream of mushroom soup.
3. Do I have to use sour cream? Greek yogurt works as a substitute.
4. Can I make this in a smaller dish? Yes, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch dish.
5. Can I make it spicier? Add hot sauce to the soup mixture or use pepper jack cheese.
6. Why are my tater tots soggy? Make sure they’re not thawed before baking, and bake uncovered.
7. Is this casserole freezer-friendly? Yes—assemble ahead, freeze, then bake straight from frozen, adding about 15 minutes to the cook time.
Cozy, Cheesy, and Crowd-Pleasing
Dolly Parton’s 5 Ingredient Casserole is the perfect reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best ones. It’s cheesy, creamy, and totally comforting, with just enough heartiness to feed a hungry family. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just a lazy Sunday, this casserole will always deliver that down-home, Southern-style comfort that Dolly is all about.