Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that brings the warmth of home-cooked flavors together effortlessly, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shredded chicken bathed in a creamy, savory sauce, topped with a perfectly golden, buttery stuffing crust that’s crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. This casserole feels like a gentle hug for your soul and makes an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole always delivers big on flavor and cozy satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is the perfect start for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy base that keeps the chicken juicy, to the buttery stuffing topping that provides that irresistible texture and golden color.

• 2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover baked chicken for a fresh, tender bite.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Acts as a rich and creamy base to bind all flavors together smoothly.
• 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise: Adds tang and extra creaminess, balancing the savory notes.
• 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist without watering it down.
• 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread): The star topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven with a buttery crunch.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Drizzled over the stuffing for a golden, flavorful finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance and unify every bite.

How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by setting your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s perfectly preheated by the time you finish mixing. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out beautifully with ease.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or mayo), and chicken broth. Stir everything together until you achieve a smooth, creamy mixture that promises moist and tender bites with every spoonful.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Evenly spread the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. This layer will serve as the rich foundation of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, holding all the delicious flavors together with a luscious texture.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Stuffing

Prepare your stuffing mix according to the package instructions but use just a bit less water than suggested to keep it from becoming soggy. Spoon this stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture, creating the delicious crust that will bake to golden perfection.

Step 5: Add the Final Touch of Butter and Bake

Drizzle the melted butter across the top of the stuffing—it’s this little step that gives Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole its signature golden, crispy finish. Bake the casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling hot.

How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Garnishes

To brighten up this rich dish, fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary work wonders. They add a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the creamy chicken and savory stuffing beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables or a light salad to cut through the richness. Think roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This not only looks charming but also helps retain heat, making each serving extra comforting and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy, delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it directly from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and the stuffing topping crisps up perfectly.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. This method brings back that freshly baked texture on the stuffing topping that microwave reheating might leave soggy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey is a fantastic substitution that brings a slightly richer flavor to Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with no extra fuss.

Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, swap the sour cream or mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative like vegan mayo or coconut-based sour cream, and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup if available.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the shredded chicken with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative and use a cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

What stuffing mix works best?

Both traditional bread stuffing and cornbread stuffing mixes work well. Cornbread adds a slightly sweeter, Southern flair, while traditional stuffing offers classic herb-infused flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole entirely ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and bake when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold coming out of the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is one of those magical recipes that feels like a warm invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and savor genuinely comforting food. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special family get-together, its creamy chicken, flavorful stuffing topping, and easy preparation make it an absolute winner. Give it a try and let it become your new favorite way to enjoy cozy, home-style cooking!

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