If there’s one dish guaranteed to charm the socks off your dinner guests or bring comfort on a chilly night, it’s Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Creamy, hearty, and brimming with nostalgic flavor, this classic casserole blends tender chicken, savory stuffing, and a creamy blend of soups for the ultimate weeknight dinner. As soon as it comes bubbling out of the oven with that golden, buttery crust, you’ll understand why Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has been a beloved favorite for generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is how its everyday ingredients transform into a cozy, memorable meal. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s adding creaminess, crunch, or pops of color. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken works wonders here for ease and extra flavor, but any leftover cooked chicken will be lovely.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The cornerstone of creamy casseroles, bringing that iconic richness.
- Cream of celery soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds subtle vegetable notes and silky smoothness; you can swap for another can of cream of chicken if you prefer.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): This gives the casserole its tangy lift and keeps everything perfectly moist.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Binds everything together while layering in more savory depth.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For that gentle hint of garlic, warming every bite.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings subtle sweetness and aromatic undertones.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of spice to keep the flavors lively.
- Stuffing mix (1 box, 6 oz – such as Stove Top): The key to that golden, crunchy topping and loads of herby flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Tossed with the stuffing for a gorgeous, buttery crunch.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (1 cup, optional): For those who want added color, sweetness, and nutrition—totally customizable!
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): The perfect finishing pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
The very first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a dab of butter. This not only ensures easy serving later but also helps that irresistibly crispy stuffing topping lift right out of the pan.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Filling
Grab a large bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is velvety and smooth; this will be the indulgent base of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Trust me, this luscious mixture is what gives each bite that hug-from-the-inside quality!
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Veggies
Stir in your shredded cooked chicken, folding it gently into the creamy mixture. If you love a pop of color and a gentle veggie sweetness, now’s the time to add in the frozen mixed vegetables. Everything should be lovingly coated, making sure you get a bit of chicken and veggie in every bite.
Step 4: Spread and Even
Pour the chicken filling into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. This step ensures the stuffing topping bakes up golden brown and crispy, with every scoop layered just right.
Step 5: Prepare the Stuffing Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the dry stuffing mix with the melted butter until all the crumbles are glistening and well-coated. This buttery, herby topping is the magic that makes Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole so crave-worthy!
Step 6: Sprinkle and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the buttery stuffing mixture all over the chicken filling. Pop the casserole in the oven (uncovered) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, golden topping and creamy, piping-hot filling. The anticipation is half the fun!
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes—this allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness and color before inviting everyone to the table.
How to Serve Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Garnishes
Top Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole with a handful of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. If you want to take it up a notch, a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a little grated parmesan can complement the creamy richness. A sprinkle of diced chives or green onions also makes for a subtly sharp, delicious finish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of roasted vegetables brings perfect freshness to your meal. Creamy mashed potatoes or homemade cranberry sauce are classic sides if you’re channeling Thanksgiving vibes. Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread are also welcome for that final swipe through the saucy casserole bottom!
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, try baking Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties—guests adore their own personal portion. Or serve it family-style, straight from the baking dish, for that cozy, crowd-pleasing aesthetic. Leftovers make fantastic sandwich fillings or can be packed into a thermos for a comforting lunch at work or school.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just enough time to enjoy it for lunch or a speedy second supper!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, assemble it up to the point before baking. Wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in a 350°F oven until warmed through, 15–20 minutes. Cover with foil if you don’t want the topping to get too crisp. In a pinch, the microwave works, but the oven keeps that stuffing layer deliciously crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a wonderful way to use up leftover turkey, especially after the holidays. The flavor is just as homey and satisfying.
Is it okay to leave out the mixed vegetables?
Yes, you can skip the vegetables if you prefer a more classic, chicken-and-stuffing focused casserole. Or get creative and swap in other veggies your family loves, such as peas, green beans, or broccoli florets.
What kind of stuffing mix works best?
Any classic herb stuffing mix will do, but Stove Top is a fan favorite for nostalgia and convenience. If you want to make it extra special, use your favorite homemade stuffing recipe or a cornbread-based mix for a Southern twist.
Can I add cheese to Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole?
Certainly! Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the chicken filling before baking for a gooey, melty, all-American upgrade.
Is it possible to make Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole dairy-free?
With a few substitutions—such as using dairy-free sour cream, plant-based butter, and creamy-style dairy-free soups—you can absolutely adapt this recipe to fit a dairy-free diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the kind of cozy, fuss-free comfort food that brings everyone running to the table, Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the recipe to try. It’s easy, adaptable, and delivers heartwarming flavors every single time. Gather your loved ones and dig in—this casserole is about to become a cherished part of your dinner rotation!
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Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, flavorful seasonings, and a buttery stuffing topping. This classic casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
For the Stuffing Topping:
- 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (such as Stove Top)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the shredded chicken and frozen vegetables, if using. Spread the mixture in the baking dish.
- Make the Stuffing: In a separate bowl, mix the stuffing mix with melted butter. Sprinkle the stuffing evenly over the chicken filling.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 35–40 minutes until hot, bubbling, and the stuffing is golden brown.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.
- You can use an extra can of cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery soup.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for a cheesy variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
