Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Tender shredded chicken nestled in a creamy sauce, topped with golden, herb-infused stuffing that’s perfectly crisp on top yet delightfully moist underneath. Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together familiar flavors in a spectacularly satisfying way. This hearty, home-style dish transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. You’ll learn how to create layers of flavor, achieve the perfect stuffing texture, and customize this versatile casserole to make it your own family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This beloved Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole wins hearts with its irresistible combination of convenience and comfort. The contrast between the creamy chicken layer and the crispy, buttery stuffing creates a textural masterpiece that delights with every bite. What makes this casserole stand out is how the herb-infused stuffing absorbs the savory chicken flavors while maintaining its distinctive taste and texture.

The recipe comes together with minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal without hours in the kitchen. Many home cooks appreciate how adaptable this dish is—working beautifully with leftover chicken or turkey after holidays. The casserole reheats wonderfully, actually developing deeper flavors overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead option for meal planning.

Perhaps most importantly, this is the kind of nostalgic, soul-warming food that creates memories around the dinner table—the dish everyone requests when comfort is needed most.

Ingredients

To prepare Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, you’ll need these simple yet flavorful ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1½ pounds of boneless chicken)
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 (6 oz) box stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

The cream soups create the casserole’s signature velvety texture, while the stuffing mix—which contains herbs, spices, and dried bread—develops a beautiful golden crust when baked. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a time-saver, offering rich, pre-seasoned flavor that enhances the entire dish.

Pro Tips

Perfecting the Chicken Base
For the most flavorful chicken and stuffing bake, simmer your chicken with aromatics like onion, celery, and bay leaves before shredding. This infuses the meat with deeper flavor than plain boiled chicken. If using rotisserie chicken, include any accumulated juices for extra richness. The chicken should be shredded into bite-sized pieces rather than chopped—this creates pockets that capture more of the creamy sauce.

Achieving the Ideal Stuffing Texture
The secret to perfect stuffing in this casserole lies in the moisture balance. Instead of preparing the stuffing according to package directions, simply toss the dry mix with melted butter before topping the casserole. This gives you a crisp top layer while allowing the bottom of the stuffing to absorb just enough moisture from the chicken mixture below. For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of poultry seasoning to the stuffing mix.

Managing Moisture Content
If your casserole seems too watery, reduce the chicken broth slightly. Conversely, if it’s too dry, drizzle a little extra broth over the stuffing halfway through baking. Remember that different brands of stuffing absorb liquid differently, so you may need to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Letting the assembled casserole rest for 10 minutes before baking helps the stuffing begin absorbing liquid, creating more defined layers.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This ensures easy serving and cleanup later.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk together until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining. This creates the luscious sauce that will surround your chicken.

Step 3

Add the shredded chicken to the soup mixture along with the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Stir gently until all the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy mixture. The seasoning at this stage is crucial—taste and adjust if needed, as this forms the flavor foundation of your Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.

Step 4

Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Ensure there are no gaps or air pockets by gently pressing down on the mixture.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, combine the dry stuffing mix with the melted butter. Toss thoroughly until all the stuffing crumbs are moistened. This butter-coating helps achieve that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6

Evenly sprinkle the buttered stuffing mixture over the chicken layer, covering it completely. Don’t press down on the stuffing—you want it to remain somewhat loose on top to maintain its crispy texture while baking.

Step 7

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the stuffing turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. If the stuffing browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Step 8

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period is essential as it allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Turkey and Cranberry Stuffing Casserole
Transform this into a holiday-inspired dish by substituting turkey for chicken and mixing ½ cup dried cranberries into the stuffing. The sweet-tart cranberries beautifully complement the savory elements of this classic stuffing casserole. This variation is perfect for using up Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers, creating an entirely new meal with minimal effort.

Vegetable-Loaded Version
For added nutrition and color, incorporate 2 cups of vegetables into the chicken mixture. Sautéed mushrooms, peas, carrots, and diced celery work wonderfully, adding texture and nutrients without compromising the comfort-food appeal. Simply cook the vegetables until just tender before stirring them into the chicken and soup mixture. This creates a complete one-dish meal that eliminates the need for separate side dishes.

Cheese-Topped Chicken Stuffing Bake
For cheese lovers, sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar, Colby jack, or Gruyère cheese over the chicken layer before adding the stuffing. Alternatively, mix 1 cup of cheese into the chicken mixture and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup on top of the stuffing during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, cheesy crust that adds another dimension to the Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.

Storage and Serving

This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole refrigerates beautifully, maintaining its flavor and texture for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For single servings, microwave on medium power with a damp paper towel covering the dish to preserve moisture.

Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent vegetable sides, while cranberry sauce offers a sweet-tart contrast that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

For a special presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a small sprig of fresh thyme. This not only creates an elegant appearance but also provides perfect portion control for dinner parties or family gatherings.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
No, the chicken must be fully cooked before assembling the casserole. The baking time isn’t long enough to safely cook raw chicken. Using rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken saves time and adds flavor.

Why is my stuffing soggy instead of crispy?
This likely happened because the stuffing mix was pressed down too firmly or the casserole was covered during baking. For crispy stuffing, loosely sprinkle it over the top without compacting it, and bake uncovered.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What can I substitute for cream soups if I’m avoiding processed foods?
Make a homemade replacement by creating a roux with 3 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons flour, then whisk in 1½ cups chicken broth and ½ cup milk, simmering until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.

Can I add additional vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Pre-cook vegetables like peas, carrots, celery, or broccoli until just tender, then mix them into the chicken layer. This adds nutrition and flavor while maintaining the comfort-food appeal of Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole.

Conclusion

This Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and herb-infused stuffing that creates the ultimate satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together around the table, creating memories through shared meals that warm both body and soul. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution or a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, this casserole delivers on all fronts—easy to prepare, delightful to eat, and certain to become a treasured recipe in your regular rotation.

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