There’s hardly anything more comforting than a bubbling casserole that fills your kitchen with savory aromas, and Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the very definition of home-cooked bliss. This beloved recipe layers juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery stuffing into one dish that’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re gathering family around the table or just craving something cozy on a weeknight, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole delivers on flavor, nostalgia, and ease—all in under an hour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole leans on simple ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating its creamy, savory, and golden-topped goodness. From the tender chicken to the fluffy stuffing, every component brings its own magic to the table.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded or cubed): Rotisserie chicken works wonders here—just shred or cube it for a juicy, flavorful base.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds rich, creamy body and classic comfort casserole flavor.
- Sour cream (½ cup): The secret to a tangy, velvety sauce that’s never too heavy.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Loosens up the sauce and boosts the savory depth.
- Poultry seasoning (1 teaspoon): Lends that unmistakable herby warmth—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just a touch for gentle heat and balance.
- Stuffing mix (1 box, 6 oz): Classic Stove Top or your favorite brand brings the fluffy, toasty topping.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Bathes the stuffing in buttery goodness for that golden crunch.
- Frozen mixed vegetables or chopped green beans (1½ cups, optional): Sneak in color and nutrition—plus a little sweetness and crunch.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This step keeps the casserole from sticking and makes for easy serving later. It also helps the edges get beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, poultry seasoning, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the luscious base that keeps Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole moist and flavorful in every bite.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Veggies
Stir the shredded or cubed chicken into the creamy mixture. If you’re adding vegetables (and I highly recommend it for color and nutrition), fold those in as well. Give it all a good mix, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Layer in the Casserole Dish
Spread the chicken and sauce mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top—this helps the stuffing topping go on evenly and ensures every scoop has a little of everything.
Step 5: Prepare the Stuffing Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix and melted butter. Stir until all the stuffing is moistened and the butter is absorbed. This mix will bake into the ultimate golden, crispy-salty crust that makes Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole irresistible.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken layer. Pop the casserole, uncovered, into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen!
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
When your casserole is deeply golden and bubbling, pull it from the oven. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes—this makes slicing and serving much easier, and lets the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or snipped chives adds a bright, fresh pop of color against the golden stuffing crust. For a little zing, try a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce at the table.
Side Dishes
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots. For a nostalgic Southern touch, serve with sweet corn or buttery mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family dinner, bring the casserole straight from oven to table in its baking dish. Hosting a potluck? Portion it into ramekins for individual servings. A sprinkle of fried onions or a drizzle of gravy can dress it up for special occasions, making the dish as festive as it is comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. The flavors get even better as they mingle overnight!
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer superstar. Assemble everything up to the point of baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, or until hot throughout. For individual servings, the microwave works in a pinch (just add a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist).
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, making it a fantastic post-holiday meal that feels brand new.
What vegetables work best in the casserole?
Mixed frozen vegetables or chopped green beans are classics, but peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms also make delicious additions. Use what you have on hand or what your family loves most.
Can I make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free stuffing mix and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. It’s easy to adapt without sacrificing flavor or comfort.
Is it possible to assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if going straight from fridge to oven.
How do I keep the stuffing topping from getting soggy?
The key is to bake the casserole uncovered, which allows the stuffing to crisp up beautifully. If you like an extra-crunchy top, you can even broil it for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s equal parts nostalgic and delicious, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is your answer. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them asking for seconds. Give it a try, and let this beloved casserole become a new classic in your kitchen!
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Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy soup and sour cream, topped with buttery stuffing for a golden, crunchy finish. Perfect for family dinners, this easy-to-make casserole combines classic flavors with a simple prep and bake method.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables or chopped green beans (optional)
Stuffing Topping
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix the Chicken Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, poultry seasoning, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Fold in the shredded or cubed cooked chicken along with the frozen mixed vegetables or chopped green beans if using. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- Prepare Stuffing Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the melted unsalted butter. Stir well until the stuffing is fully coated in butter and crumbly.
- Add Stuffing Layer: Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix evenly over the top of the chicken mixture to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole bubbles around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- For a more flavorful dish, sauté the vegetables before adding them to the mixture.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
