Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the dish.
In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream.
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Method
This is a simple one-dish baked casserole. The chicken cooks slowly under a creamy soup-and-sour-cream sauce, which helps keep it moist. Adding cheddar toward the end creates a melted, savory topping.
For a complete meal, serve it with steamed broccoli, green beans, rice, or a simple salad.
Benefits
Easy preparation: Most of the ingredients can be mixed and assembled quickly.
Protein-rich: Chicken provides a substantial amount of protein.
Comforting and filling: The creamy sauce and cheese make it satisfying.
Family-friendly: Mild flavors make it easy to serve to a variety of tastes.
Convenient: It requires only one baking dish, making cleanup relatively simple.
Keep in mind that canned condensed soups and cheese can make the dish relatively high in sodium and saturated fat, so reduced-sodium soups and lighter dairy products can be used if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition varies according to the exact brands and quantities used. An approximate serving (1/6 of the casserole) is:
Nutrient Approximate amount
Calories 400–500 kcal
Protein 35–45 g
Carbohydrates 10–15 g
Fat 20–30 g
Saturated fat 8–12 g
Sodium 900–1,300 mg
These figures are estimates rather than laboratory-tested nutrition information.
History
The recipe is associated with Dolly Parton, whose cooking and Southern food traditions have been featured in recipes and cookbooks connected with her public persona. Chicken casseroles like this one reflect a broader American comfort-food tradition: combining affordable pantry ingredients with chicken, a creamy sauce, and cheese to create an easy family meal.
The “5-ingredient” concept emphasizes convenience rather than elaborate cooking, although versions of the recipe may count ingredients differently depending on whether seasonings and garnishes are included.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Chicken Casserole is a straightforward comfort-food dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce. Its appeal is its simplicity: a handful of familiar ingredients, minimal preparation, and one baking dish produce a hearty family dinner.