Oh, honey, let me tell you about my favorite little Christmas miracle—this ridiculously easy 5-ingredient casserole that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen! Now, I don’t know about you, but when the holidays roll around, the last thing I want is to be stuck cooking while everyone else is sipping eggnog and opening presents. That’s why I fell head over heels for this Christmas healthy dinner Dolly Parton-style casserole the moment I tried it. It’s got that down-home comfort food vibe (just like Dolly herself), but without the fuss of a million ingredients. Just toss together some chicken, veggies, soup, cheese, and crackers—boom! You’ve got a festive dish that’ll have your family thinking you’re some kind of kitchen wizard. And the best part? More time for Christmas magic and less time stressing over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Healthy Dinner Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Trust me, this isn’t just another casserole—it’s a Christmas dinner game-changer. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Crazy simple: Five ingredients, one bowl, and barely any prep—perfect when you’re drowning in holiday chaos.
- Secretly healthy: Packed with protein and veggies, but tastes like pure comfort (shh, no one needs to know).
- Festive flexibility: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge—it’s forgiving like Dolly’s smile.
- Crowd-pleaser magic: Kids, grandparents, picky uncles—everyone goes back for seconds.
- More merry, less stress: Spend less time cooking and more time making memories (or sneaking extra cookies).
This recipe? It’s the edible equivalent of a warm holiday hug.
Ingredients for Christmas Healthy Dinner Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Now, let’s talk ingredients—because with just five simple stars, this casserole shines brighter than Christmas lights! Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works like a charm here (my lazy holiday secret!). Just pull it apart with forks—no cooking required.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: Peas, carrots, and corn are my go-to trio, but use whatever’s hiding in your freezer. No thawing needed—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven!
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The glue that holds it all together. Feeling health-conscious? Grab the low-fat version—I promise it still tastes amazing.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Buy it pre-shredded if you’re short on time, but freshly grated melts into absolute gooey perfection.
- 1 cup crushed whole-grain crackers: That golden, crispy crown! I use whole-grain for extra fiber, but regular works too—just crush them right in the bag to save dishes.
See? Nothing fancy—just pantry staples that come together like holiday magic!
Equipment Needed
You probably already have everything ready to go—just grab a big mixing bowl for tossing ingredients together, a trusty 9×13 inch baking dish, and your oven (preheated to 350°F, of course!). That’s it—no fancy gadgets required!
How to Prepare Christmas Healthy Dinner Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making this holiday miracle happen! I promise, it’s so easy you could do it with one hand while wrapping presents with the other. Here’s how it all comes together:
Step 1: Mix the Base
First things first—turn that oven to 350°F so it’s nice and toasty when we’re ready to bake. Now, grab your biggest mixing bowl (or hey, even the pot you cooked the chicken in if you’re feeling extra efficient). Dump in your shredded chicken, those frozen veggies (straight from the freezer—no thawing needed!), and the whole can of cream of chicken soup. Stir it all up until it looks like a cozy, creamy mess. That’s your base—done in 60 seconds flat!
Step 2: Layer the Casserole
Grease up that 9×13 baking dish with a quick swipe of butter or cooking spray. Pour in your chicken mixture and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now, shower the top with that glorious cheddar cheese—don’t be shy! The cheesier, the better in my book. Finally, sprinkle your crushed crackers over everything like edible snow. Pro tip: Hold the bag at an angle when crushing to avoid a cracker avalanche on your counter!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide that beauty into your preheated oven and let the magic happen. In about 25-30 minutes, you’ll start smelling that irresistible cheesy, toasty aroma. Peek in at the 25-minute mark—you’re looking for bubbly edges, golden-brown cracker crumbs, and cheese that’s melted into gooey perfection. When it looks like Christmas morning in casserole form, it’s done! Let it cool for just 5 minutes (if you can resist) before diving in.
Tips for the Best Christmas Healthy Dinner Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Want to take this casserole from good to “Dolly-worthy”? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Cheese matters: Skip the pre-shredded stuff—freshly grated cheddar melts into silky pools of deliciousness.
- Spice it up: A pinch of paprika or garlic powder gives it that extra holiday sparkle.
- Crispy crown: For extra crunch, toast your crackers lightly before crushing them.
- Make-ahead magic: Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, then just pop it in the oven Christmas day!
Trust me—these little touches make all the difference between “nice” and “ho-ho-ho-wow!”
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Oh, sweetheart, this recipe is as flexible as Dolly’s wigs! Don’t stress if you’re missing something—just swap it out with what you’ve got. Here are my favorite twists:
- Protein shuffle: Leftover turkey works beautifully instead of chicken, and for my vegetarian pals, canned white beans or tofu crumbles soak up the flavors like a charm.
- Veggie mix-up: Swap that frozen mix for broccoli florets (my personal fave) or diced sweet potatoes for a festive orange hue.
- Cracker alternatives: Gluten-free? Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs—they’ll still give you that satisfying crunch.
- Soup switcheroo: Out of cream of chicken? Cream of mushroom or celery soup brings its own cozy flavor to the party.
The beauty? However you tweak it, this casserole still delivers that same holiday hug in every bite!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Healthy Dinner Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole
Now, let’s talk about making this casserole the star of your holiday spread! Pair it with a bright, tangy cranberry spinach salad—the crisp greens cut through the richness perfectly. Or go full comfort-food mode with roasted garlic potatoes and steamed green beans wrapped in bacon (because ’tis the season!). Either way, it’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop any extra casserole in an airtight container—it’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat it in a 300°F oven until it’s warm all the way through (about 15 minutes). That gentle heat keeps the crackers crisp instead of soggy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but trust me—the oven method makes it taste just-baked fresh!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers—because even holiday meals can be guilt-free! This Christmas healthy dinner clocks in at about 320 calories per serving, with 24g protein to keep you full and 14g fat for that comforting richness we all crave. (Psst—nutrition varies slightly based on your ingredient choices, but this casserole stays lighter than most holiday dishes while tasting downright indulgent!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Christmas casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! That’s the beauty of this recipe—you can assemble it completely up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven (you might need to add 5 extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge). The crackers might soften slightly, but the flavors meld beautifully!
Is this Dolly-inspired casserole freezer-friendly?
You bet! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating at 350°F until bubbly—about 20 minutes. The texture changes slightly, but it’s still delicious!
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Of course! Just chop them small (about pea-sized) and sauté lightly first—this prevents excess moisture. I love using fresh carrots and peas for extra sweetness. The key is making sure they’re tender before baking so they don’t stay crunchy.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Oh honey, leftovers might be even better! Try reheating individual portions in a skillet for crispy edges, or get creative—leftovers make amazing stuffed peppers or topping for baked potatoes. My kids even love it cold between slices of whole wheat bread!
Share Your Christmas Healthy Dinner Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Casserole Experience
Now I want to hear from you—did your family go wild for this casserole like mine does? Snap a pic of your golden-brown masterpiece and tag me on Instagram! Leave a comment below with your favorite tweaks or holiday serving ideas. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen successes—especially when they involve Dolly-inspired deliciousness!
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Dolly Parton’s 5-Ingredient Christmas Casserole: Effortless & Delicious
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and healthy casserole inspired by Dolly Parton, perfect for a Christmas dinner. It uses only five ingredients and is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed whole-grain crackers
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, and cream of chicken soup.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Add the crushed crackers as the final layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on preference.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat soup and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American