If you’re after a dish that feels like a warm hug, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is absolutely your answer. Imagine fork-tender chicken enveloped in creamy sauce, tucked beneath a buttery, golden layer of herby stuffing — this is no ordinary weeknight bake. It’s pure comfort food, the type that instantly transports you to Sunday dinners and potlucks with friends. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen thanks to its deep, savory flavors and the joy it brings around the table. Whether you’re seeking a soul-soothing dinner or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, this casserole delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward, but together they create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Every component plays a special role, giving Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole its velvety sauce, golden topping, and irresistible comfort factor.
- Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or leftover roast chicken for extra flavor.
- Cream of chicken soup: This forms the creamy, savory base and saves precious time — no need for homemade béchamel!
- Sour cream: Lends richness and a lovely tang to balance out the casserole.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything wonderfully moist and deepens the flavor.
- Boxed stuffing mix: Choose your favorite brand or flavor — herbed, cornbread, even sage blends all work beautifully as the crispy topping.
- Butter: Melting it over the stuffing mix gives delightful richness and that signature golden, crunchy finish.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning the chicken and bringing all the flavors to life — simple but essential.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooked, shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a splash of chicken broth. You want every piece of chicken luxuriously coated in the creamy sauce. A pinch of salt and pepper at this stage makes a big difference, too! This luscious mixture forms the flavorful heart of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
Step 2: Layer Into the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, then spread the chicken filling evenly across the bottom. Smoothing it out helps every bite have the perfect balance of creamy base and crunchy topping. It also ensures the flavors meld together seamlessly as the casserole bakes.
Step 3: Topping Time!
In a separate bowl, combine the boxed stuffing mix, melted butter, and the remaining chicken broth. Stir until the stuffing is just moistened and buttery. This gives that perfectly fluffy-yet-crisp texture that makes Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole so irresistible. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the chicken layer in your baking dish.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pop the casserole in and bake uncovered for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible at this point — pure comfort in the air!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This quick pause helps everything set up perfectly, making it easier to slice and serve. Trust me, that first bite will be worth the extra wait.
How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top brightens up each serving, adding a pop of color and a whisper of freshness that balances the richness. For even more flavor, a scattering of sliced green onions or a dusting of freshly ground black pepper never goes astray.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the star of the show, but it plays so well with classic comfort sidekicks. Try serving Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp, leafy salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Creamy mashed potatoes or simple buttered corn also pair beautifully, making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow your guests, divvy the casserole mixture into individual ramekins before adding the stuffing topping and baking. This creates adorable, personal portions with crispy edges all around. Or, for a rustic family feel, serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole straight from the baking dish at the table, letting everyone help themselves — it doesn’t get more homey than that.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making leftovers a treat in their own right.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for later. To freeze, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed, until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
For the tastiest results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until warmed through, usually about 20–25 minutes. If you want the stuffing topping to crisp up again, uncover for the last few minutes. You can also quickly zap individual portions in the microwave for easy lunches.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted turkey is delicious in Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole — just shred or chop it up and proceed as usual. It’s a wonderful way to breathe new life into holiday leftovers.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works beautifully and adds tang while keeping things creamy. Even softened cream cheese (thinned with a little milk) is a tasty stand-in if needed.
Is it okay to assemble this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake just before serving. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making dinnertime a breeze.
How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?
Moisten the stuffing mix just enough so it’s fluffy but not soaked before layering over the chicken. Baking uncovered helps it crisp up on top while the inside stays tender. If you love extra crunch, broil for a minute or two at the end.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Chopped steamed broccoli, peas, carrots, or even sautéed mushrooms can be folded into the chicken mixture. It’s a simple way to add color, nutrition, and even more cozy flavor to Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about a bubbling pan of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole on the dinner table. It’s the dish I turn to when I want warmth, nostalgia, and guaranteed smiles all around. I hope it brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine — give it a try, and let this classic comfort food shine!
Print
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, savory stuffing, and creamy sauce in one satisfying casserole. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Stuffing:
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture in the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Stuffing: In another bowl, mix the stuffing mix, chicken broth, and melted butter. Spread this evenly over the chicken mixture.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your comforting Chicken and Stuffing Casserole!
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Feel free to add in some frozen mixed vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
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