If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. This casserole perfectly blends tender shredded chicken with creamy soup and tangy sour cream, topped with a golden, buttery stuffing crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re craving a simple family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and satisfying textures all in one easy casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is straightforward, but each plays a vital role. From the juicy shredded chicken to the rich cream of chicken soup, and that irresistible stuffing topping, these elements come together for an unbeatable balance of taste, moisture, and crunch.
- Shredded cooked chicken: Using rotisserie or baked chicken makes prep quick and ensures tender meat throughout.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness that binds everything together perfectly.
- Sour cream or mayonnaise: Contributes a subtle tang and luscious texture; choose sour cream for a lighter option.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and enhances the chicken flavor.
- Stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread): Your topping hero that crisps up golden, adding delightful crunch.
- Melted butter: Drizzled over stuffing to create that signature golden crust and extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh, green garnish that adds brightness and color to the dish.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Proper greasing ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly clean when serving.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the chicken is well-coated, ensuring every bite is creamy and flavorful.
Step 3: Spread the Chicken Mixture
Pour and spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This even layer will create a delicious base for the crispy stuffing topping.
Step 4: Prepare the Stuffing
Follow the package instructions for the stuffing mix but use slightly less water than suggested. This adjustment keeps the stuffing from becoming soggy once baked on top of the moist chicken mixture.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken layer. Then drizzle the melted butter on top of the stuffing. The butter is key to achieving that golden, crispy topping everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbly filling and a stuffing topping that’s beautifully golden and crisped.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe sit for about 10 minutes. This rest time helps the casserole set, making it easier to cut and enhances the flavors as they meld together.
How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top provides a vibrant pop of color and a mild herbaceous note that brightens each savory bite. If you like, a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper can add a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple green salads, steamed vegetables, or even a side of creamy mashed potatoes if you want to double down on comfort food vibes. A crisp apple slaw or lightly dressed green beans work well to add freshness alongside the rich casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for elegant single portions. You can also scoop it onto warm dinner rolls or toasted bread slices for an indulgent open-faced sandwich experience that’s guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days and tastes just as delicious when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy nights ahead.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep that crispy topping intact. Alternatively, microwaving works for quicker meals but might soften the stuffing topping a bit.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?
Yes, canned chicken can work in a pinch, but fresh shredded chicken from a rotisserie or baked source will provide a better texture and flavor in Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
You can adapt the recipe by substituting the chicken with cooked mushrooms or roasted vegetables and replacing the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom or vegetable soup.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake it a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through and the topping is crispy.
What type of stuffing mix works best?
Both traditional herb stuffing and cornbread stuffing mixes work well. Choose based on your flavor preference; cornbread adds a sweeter note, while traditional stuffing brings classic herbs and savory crumbs.
Can I add vegetables to Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the chicken mixture can boost nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are cooked or sautéed beforehand to cook evenly in the casserole.
Final Thoughts
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like coming home. It’s easy to prepare, deeply comforting, and endlessly versatile. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes a family favorite, too. Trust me, once you experience that creamy chicken and crunchy topping combo, you’ll be making it again and again.
Print
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy soup and sour cream, topped with a crispy golden stuffing mixture. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures baked to perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or baked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing Topping
- 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream or mayonnaise, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Spread in Dish: Evenly spread the chicken mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer for the stuffing.
- Prepare Stuffing: Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions but use slightly less water than recommended to keep the stuffing firmer for topping.
- Add Stuffing Topping: Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing to promote browning and flavor.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly on the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves preparation time and adds great flavor.
- For a lighter option, substitute sour cream with low-fat Greek yogurt.
- Make sure to reduce the water slightly in the stuffing to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Customize the stuffing with added herbs or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
