If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace from the South, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is here to answer your call. This cozy casserole combines tender shredded chicken with creamy soup and a golden, savory stuffing topping, creating a comforting meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this dish delivers hearty flavors and home-style goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list, each playing a vital role to bring depth, creaminess, and that authentic Southern comfort. From the savory soups to the buttery stuffing, these essentials create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast: The heart of the dish, tender and protein-packed to keep every bite hearty.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Adds richness and creamy texture that melds the casserole together.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery or mushroom soup: Provides an earthy complexity while keeping it silky smooth.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess that lightens the dish just enough without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist with a touch of savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts a gentle, warm note of garlic flavor that complements the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma to round out the seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing every other ingredient.
- 1 (6 oz) box seasoned stuffing mix: The star topping, delivering crunch and herbaceous notes that seal the deal.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Coats the stuffing mix to create a golden, crisp crust that contrasts the creamy filling.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and every serving comes out beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, the cream of chicken soup, and your chosen cream of celery or mushroom soup. Stir in the sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is where all the creamy, savory magic happens, giving your casserole that irresistible richness.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread the chicken and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth base layer that will support the crispy topping waiting to come.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Stuffing Layer
In a separate bowl, toss the dry seasoned stuffing mix with the melted butter until the crumbs are completely coated. This butter coats the stuffing to ensure a golden-brown, crunchy topping that’s bursting with flavor. Sprinkle this mixture generously over your chicken filling.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole with foil and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes to bake. After that initial baking, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the stuffing crisp up beautifully and the filling bubble with savory goodness. When the top is golden and irresistible, it’s ready!
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This rest time helps the layers set for easier serving and lets those flavors mingle just a little bit more before diving in.
How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy casserole. A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds a subtle, nutty undertone that can elevate each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple greens like a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or lightly steamed green beans. For a heartier spread, roasted root vegetables or buttery sauteed mushrooms make perfect companions to keep the meal cozy yet balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins to give a personal touch at your dinner table. Alternatively, you can layer additional veggies such as frozen peas or carrots into the chicken base before topping with stuffing—adding bursts of color and nutrition. It also shines as a potluck centerpiece when paired with homemade rolls or cornbread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe reheats like a dream. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it perfect for a no-fuss lunch or dinner later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking or after it’s fully cooked. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and store it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal, or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the stuffing topping regains its crispiness, usually about 20-25 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds delicious flavor, making it a convenient shortcut without any compromise on taste.
What if I don’t have cream of celery or mushroom soup?
If you don’t have either, you can substitute with extra cream of chicken soup or make a simple homemade cream soup using butter, flour, milk, and diced celery or mushrooms.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Adding frozen mixed vegetables or sautéed mushrooms into the chicken mixture before baking adds extra texture, color, and nutrition.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional seasoned stuffing mix usually contains gluten, so to make it gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free stuffing mix or homemade gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How can I make the stuffing topping extra crispy?
Make sure the stuffing mix is evenly coated with melted butter and bake uncovered during the last 10-15 minutes so the top can crisp without getting soggy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in any kitchen. Its blend of creamy, savory, and crispy textures is just what you need when comfort food craving strikes. I can’t wait for you to try this timeless Southern classic and add a little more coziness to your meal rotation.
Print
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting Southern American dish featuring tender shredded chicken blended with creamy soups and sour cream, topped with buttery seasoned stuffing. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or cozy weeknight dinners, delivering warm, homestyle flavors that feel like a comforting hug.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery or mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing Topping
- 1 (6 oz) box seasoned stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix chicken filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery or mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble casserole base: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare stuffing topping: In a separate bowl, mix the dry seasoned stuffing mix with the melted butter until the stuffing is fully coated and crumbly.
- Add stuffing layer: Sprinkle the butter-coated stuffing mix evenly over the chicken layer to form a crispy topping.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the stuffing topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for the cooked shredded chicken.
- For extra texture and nutrition, add a layer of frozen mixed vegetables or sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture before topping with stuffing.
