Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole – A Cozy Southern Comfort Classic

There’s something truly magical about a comforting casserole. Especially one that comes together in a single dish, warms the kitchen, and tastes like a hug. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is that kind of meal. Whether you're feeding the family after a long day or prepping for a weekend gathering, this recipe is your go-to for easy, cozy, and downright delicious comfort food. Let’s walk through it together — you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this is.

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

First of all, let’s talk flavor. This casserole hits all the high notes — creamy, savory, buttery, with that signature stuffing topping that gets golden and just a little crisp around the edges. It’s like Thanksgiving dinner on a Tuesday, but without the stress.

This dish is also super practical. You can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time, or repurpose leftover chicken (or even turkey after the holidays). It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and wonderfully flexible — the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t worry — everything in this recipe is easy to find and likely already in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked, shredded chicken — about 3 cups. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.

• Cream of chicken soup — 1 (10.5 oz) can.

• Cream of celery or mushroom soup — 1 (10.5 oz) can. Either adds its own flavor twist.

• Sour cream — 1 cup, for that creamy tang.

• Milk — ½ cup, just enough to loosen the mixture.

• Garlic powder & onion powder — ½ teaspoon each. A little goes a long way.

• Salt & pepper — To taste.

• Stuffing mix — 1 (6 oz) box of chicken-flavored stuffing.

• Butter — ½ cup (1 stick), melted.

• Optional: frozen mixed vegetables or cooked broccoli — about 1 cup if you’d like to sneak in a bit more nutrition or color.

You can absolutely play around with the ingredients. Want to add cheese? Go for it. Prefer cream of mushroom over celery? No problem. This recipe is forgiving — and that’s part of what makes it such a weeknight winner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s break it down step by step. This casserole is all about layering cozy flavors in the easiest way possible.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Dish

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Make the Creamy Chicken Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery or mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.

This base is where all the comfort comes from — rich, flavorful, and ready to coat every bite.

3. Add the Chicken and Veggies

Fold in your shredded chicken. If you’re using any veggies (frozen mixed vegetables or cooked broccoli both work great), stir those in now too.

Once everything’s well combined, pour it into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. It already smells good — and we haven’t even started baking yet.

4. Prepare the Stuffing Topping

In a separate bowl, stir together the dry stuffing mix and melted butter. You want the stuffing to soak up that buttery goodness without getting soggy — just evenly coated and slightly moistened.

This step gives the casserole that beautiful, crunchy topping that makes every bite extra special.

5. Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery stuffing mixture evenly over the creamy chicken base. Try to cover the entire surface so every bite gets a little crunch.

Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges — that’s how you know it’s done. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so everything can settle.

Tips, Substitutions & Make-Ahead Options

Let’s make sure this casserole fits your kitchen, your schedule, and your tastes.

• Add cheese: Want to take it up a notch? Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken mixture. The extra creaminess is amazing.

• Use turkey instead: This recipe is perfect after the holidays when you have leftover turkey.

• Vegetable boost: Frozen peas, corn, or green beans mix in beautifully. Or sauté some mushrooms for extra flavor.

• Make it ahead: Assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add an extra 5–10 minutes of baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and soups — just check the labels.

Serving Suggestions

Once your casserole is golden and bubbling, it’s ready to shine. Serve it hot straight from the dish — it doesn’t need much to make it a full meal, but here are a few simple sides that pair beautifully:

• Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts offer a nice contrast to the creamy texture.

• A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness.

• Cranberry sauce isn’t just for Thanksgiving — its sweet-tart flavor plays perfectly with the savory chicken and stuffing.

• Buttermilk biscuits or dinner rolls, if you’re feeling extra homey.

This casserole also makes a great potluck dish. It holds up well on a buffet table and reheats like a dream — everyone comes back for seconds.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Let’s be honest — one of the best things about a good casserole is that it keeps on giving. Whether you’re saving leftovers for lunch or stashing some away for a busy night down the road, this dish has you covered.

Refrigerating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The stuffing may soften slightly, but the flavors will be even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the entire unbaked casserole (just leave the stuffing topping separate until baking), or freeze baked leftovers in individual portions. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20–25 minutes or until warmed through.

• Microwave: For smaller portions, heat in 60-second bursts, stirring occasionally.
  If it looks a little dry, a splash of milk or chicken broth will bring it right back to life.

FAQs About Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Let’s tackle a few common questions that come up when folks are making this for the first time. Don’t worry — whatever curveballs come your way, this recipe is easy to adapt.

Can I make this without cream soup?
You can. If you prefer to skip the canned soups, try making a simple homemade sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and season to taste. It takes a few extra minutes, but the result is just as comforting.

How do I keep the stuffing from getting soggy?
The key is balance. Don’t overdo the butter, and make sure your casserole isn’t too wet before adding the topping. Baking it uncovered helps the top crisp up nicely.

Can I use raw chicken?
It’s not recommended for this particular recipe. The chicken should be fully cooked before mixing it into the creamy base. Using raw chicken would throw off the cook time and risk undercooked meat.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Assemble it ahead of time, wrap it tightly, and freeze. Just wait to add the stuffing until right before baking to preserve that golden, crunchy texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — with a few tweaks. Mix everything except the stuffing and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Add the stuffing in the last hour so it doesn’t get mushy.

Nutrition and Dietary Notes

This dish is all about comfort, but if you’re keeping an eye on ingredients, there are a few adjustments you can make.

• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium soups and unsalted butter.

• Gluten-free option: Choose gluten-free stuffing mix and make sure your soups are labeled GF.

• Lighter version: Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, and use reduced-fat milk.

The calorie count will vary depending on your add-ins, but it typically falls around 400–450 calories per serving, which makes it a hearty, satisfying meal.

Related Recipes

If you loved Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, you might enjoy these hearty and cozy dishes:

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps: Creamy, savory, and quick to prepare.

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne: Pasta meets comfort food with this flavorful dish.

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A rich and satisfying skillet meal for busy weeknights.

• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce: Golden, crispy chicken served over creamy sauce perfection.

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole: A family-favorite twist on casserole night.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve made this casserole once or twice, you’ll start to think of all kinds of ways to change it up. That’s the beauty of a solid base recipe — it invites creativity.

• Cheesy Chicken Bake: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooier filling.

• Tex-Mex Style: Mix in a can of green chilies, use cream of mushroom soup, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of stuffing.

• Bacon & Ranch Version: Add cooked crumbled bacon and a packet of ranch seasoning for an indulgent twist.

• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and chickpeas, and use vegetable-based soups.

A Southern Classic That Brings Everyone to the Table

There’s a reason casseroles like this one have stood the test of time — they’re cozy, generous, and meant to be shared. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it’s a quiet night at home or a crowded kitchen full of chatter.

So go ahead, make it your own. Try it with turkey, mix in your favorite veggies, or bake a double batch and freeze one for later. However you serve it, this casserole is comfort food at its very best — easy to love, easy to make, and always welcome at the table.

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