Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy, satisfying, and rich in flavor. This dish is a hearty blend of shredded chicken, creamy soup mixture, and buttery stuffing, baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or cooking fresh poultry, the result is a warm and nostalgic meal that’s sure to bring people to the table. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a comforting Sunday dinner, this recipe is as practical as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 lbs cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or use two cans of cream of chicken for simplicity)
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Stuffing:
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded or cubed cooked chicken
- Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Mix until everything is well combined. Spread this creamy chicken mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing
In another bowl, stir together:
- The dry stuffing mix
- Chicken broth
- Melted butter
Mix gently until the stuffing is evenly moistened but not soggy. This keeps it fluffy and allows it to bake up with a slightly crisp top.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the moistened stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out gently without pressing it too flat.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps the creamy base heat through while keeping the stuffing soft and moist.
Step 6: Bake Uncovered
Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the stuffing is golden and slightly crisped on top.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly and makes serving cleaner and easier.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with a green vegetable like steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp side salad for balance.
- Add cranberry sauce or a dollop of gravy to play up the Thanksgiving-style comfort.
- Serve with a side of buttered corn, mashed potatoes, or roasted carrots for a complete family meal.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This casserole freezes well. Freeze in portions or the entire dish (tightly wrapped) for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. For larger amounts, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Recipe Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in 1–2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables or cooked broccoli for a complete one-dish meal.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped green chilies for a little heat.
- Cheesy Version: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with the chicken mixture for an extra rich and gooey finish.
- Turkey Instead: Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers, substitute turkey for chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s tender, flavorful, and saves time. Just shred it and remove the skin before mixing.
Q2: What type of stuffing mix works best?
Most boxed stuffing mixes like Stove Top work great. You can also use homemade stuffing if you have it—just make sure it’s not too wet before adding.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole fully and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the covered bake time.
Q4: Can I freeze Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely, wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until heated through.
Q5: Can I use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom?
Yes, feel free to swap in cream of celery if you don’t like mushrooms. You can even double the cream of chicken if preferred.
Q6: How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?
Make sure to just moisten the stuffing, not soak it. Also, bake uncovered for the final 10–15 minutes to crisp the top.
Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, not as written. But you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free stuffing mix and checking that your soups are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together. With creamy chicken, rich savory stuffing, and simple ingredients, it’s a foolproof dinner that feels like home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping ahead for a busy week, this casserole is hearty, flexible, and endlessly comforting.
Now grab your baking dish and enjoy a wholesome, cozy bite that tastes like something straight from Dolly’s kitchen.