Name: Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread); 2 tablespoons melted butter

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I absolutely love sharing Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe because it feels like a warm hug on a plate every time I make it. The creamy chickenbase paired with that crunchy, buttery stuffing topping is exactly the kind of comforting meal I crave on chilly nights or when I want to impress family and friends with minimal fuss. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet bursts with hearty flavors that make everyone feel right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

From the very first bite, I’m drawn to the incredible flavor contrast in this casserole. The tender shredded chicken mingles beautifully with a creamy mixture of soup and sour cream, creating that luscious, comforting base that feels indulgent without being complicated. Then, when you get to that golden, crisp layer of stuffing on top, it adds a perfect crunch and a touch of buttery richness that makes each forkful absolutely satisfying.

What really wins me over is how effortlessly this recipe comes together. I love that I can use simple pantry staples and a box of stuffing mix, which takes the stress out of prep time. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping something in advance for a holiday gathering, this casserole always feels like a special occasion dish. It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and I know it will stand out on any dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows shredded white chicken mixed into a creamy, light beige sauce with visible black pepper and seasoning flakes scattered throughout. The creamy sauce has a smooth texture with the chicken evenly coated and slightly layered in the middle of a dark pan. A wooden spoon with a rich brown color is partially submerged in the sauce, stirring the chicken pieces gently against a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe are straightforward but essential to building those comforting layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy base to the crunchy topping, resulting in a balanced, hearty dish you’ll want to make over and over.

2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken: I recommend rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor, but baked chicken works wonderfully too.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This adds the creamy, savory base that ties everything together effortlessly.
1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise: I prefer sour cream for its tanginess, which brightens the rich creamy mix.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Just enough to loosen the mixture without making it watery.
1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (traditional or cornbread): This forms the crispy, buttery topping, so choose your favorite kind for a personal touch.
2 tablespoons melted butter: Drizzled on top, it helps the stuffing brown to golden perfection.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skip seasoning—it balances the flavors beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined, creating a creamy base that holds the flavors together.

Step 3: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the greased baking dish, smoothing it out to create a uniform layer.

Step 4: Prepare the stuffing mix according to the package instructions but use slightly less water than called for to avoid a soggy topping—this step is key for getting that crisp top.

Step 5: Spoon the prepared stuffing evenly over the chicken mixture. Then drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing to encourage that beautiful golden crust while baking.

Step 6: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on the top toward the end to prevent over-browning.

Step 7: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps it set for easier slicing and enhances the texture.

Servings and Timing

This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe serves about 6 hungry people, making it perfect for families or small gatherings. The prep time is a quick 15 minutes, and the baking takes roughly 40 minutes. Including the resting time, you’re looking at about 55 minutes from start to plate, which is just right for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.

How to Serve This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe

Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

When it comes to serving this casserole, I like to keep things simple yet inviting. It pairs beautifully with crisp green vegetables like roasted broccoli or a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast. Mashed potatoes or creamy mashed cauliflower can also complement the richness while adding more comfort to the meal.

For presentation, I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top for color and a subtle herbaceous note. Serving this dish warm out of the oven is ideal to fully enjoy the melty creaminess and the satisfying crunch of the stuffing. Portion sizes around one-and-a-half cups each usually satisfy hungry appetites without leftovers piling up too quickly.

As for beverages, this casserole harmonizes well with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling apple cider or a simple iced tea with lemon feels wonderfully refreshing and balances the creamy texture. This dish shines for cozy family dinners, holiday spreads, and even potluck parties where comfort food is a must.

Variations

I’m always excited to experiment with this Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe because it adapts so well to different tastes and dietary needs. For example, swapping the traditional stuffing mix for a gluten-free variety makes it accessible without sacrificing texture or flavor. You can also use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free sour cream alternatives to make it suitable for plant-based eaters—just be sure to select a suitable creamy soup substitute.

Flavor-wise, adding dried cranberries or chopped apples to the stuffing topping introduces a wonderful sweet-tart surprise, perfect for a holiday twist. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions with the chicken base for added depth. If you prefer a different cooking method, making individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins can be fun and convenient for meal prep and smaller servings.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a hearty meal, I make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. This casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids helps maintain the texture and flavor, so I always recommend those for leftovers.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks. I like to portion it out into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I find that warming the casserole in a 350°F oven works best to restore that crispy top and creamy interior. Heat it uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the stuffing a bit soggy, so I reserve that for quick lunches or smaller portions. Adding a few minutes of broiling at the end can revive the crispiness if needed.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey is a fabulous substitute and works perfectly with this recipe. It adds a slightly different flavor that I find especially great around holidays. Just make sure to shred it finely for even layering.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare this casserole up to 24 hours before baking and refrigerate it until I’m ready to cook. This makes meal planning so much easier, especially for busy nights or entertaining guests.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely! Adding cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the creamy chicken mixture adds color, nutrition, and extra flavor. Just be careful not to add too much liquid from the veggies to maintain the right texture.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer homemade, you can whip up a simple cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. This takes a bit more time but allows full control over ingredients and seasoning. There are also low-sodium or organic canned options that work well if you want convenience.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and double-check your soup labels to ensure they are gluten-free. Many brands offer suitable substitutions that keep the dish just as delicious without compromising texture.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe because it truly delivers on comfort, flavor, and convenience. It’s one of those dishes I return to again and again when I want something that feels like a loving, hearty meal without the hassle. Once you give it a try, I’m confident it will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection, just as it is in mine.